2002 Pontiac Firebird Owner`s Manual

Transcription

2002 Pontiac Firebird
Owner’s Manual
Litho in U.S.A.
Part Number 10312871 A First Edition
ECopyright General Motors Corporation 2001
All Rights Reserved
i
We support voluntary
technician certification.
GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name
FIREBIRD are registered trademarks of General
Motors Corporation.
This manual includes the latest information at the time
it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes
after that time without further notice. For vehicles first
sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors
of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Division whenever it
appears in this manual.
Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will
be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road.
If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it
so the new owner can use it.
ii
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a
French Language Manual:
Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous
procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez
votre concessionaire ou au:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
How to Use this Manual
Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning
to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you
do this, it will help you learn about the features and
controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find
that pictures and words work together to explain
things quickly.
CAUTION:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce
the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t,
you or others could be hurt.
Safety Warnings and Symbols
You will find a number of safety cautions in this book.
We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you
about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore
the warning.
You will also find a circle
with a slash through it in
this book. This safety
symbol means “Don’t,”
“Don’t do this” or “Don’t
let this happen.”
iii
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Vehicle Symbols
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
Your vehicle may be equipped with components and
labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols,
used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.
NOTICE:
These mean there is something that could damage
your vehicle.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage or indicator reference the following
topics in the Index:
In the notice area, we tell you about something that can
damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would
not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid
the damage.
D
D
D
D
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different
colors or in different words.
Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.
You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle.
They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
iv
“Engine Compartment Overview”
“Instrument Panel”
“Comfort Controls”
“Audio Systems”
Here are some examples of symbols you may find on
your vehicle:
v
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also
learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
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1-8
1-12
1-13
1-14
1-20
1-21
1-22
Seats and Seat Controls
Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About
Safety Belts -- and the Answers
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
Driver Position
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Right Front Passenger Position
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
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1-32
1-36
1-47
1-50
1-50
1-50
Rear Seat Passengers
Children
Restraint Systems for Children
Older Children
Safety Belt Extender
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash
1-
1-1
Seats and Seat Controls
This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust
them and also about reclining front seatbacks, seatback
latches and the folding rear seatback.
Manual Front Seats
CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is
moving. The sudden movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you
don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
1-2
Move the lever located under the front seat to unlock it.
Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever.
Then try to move the seat with your body to make sure
the seat is locked into place. Be sure the lever returns to
its original position after moving the seat.
Four-Way Manual Seats
Six-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)
There are two levers located on the front of the seat.
The left lever adjusts the seat forward and rearward.
The right lever adjusts the angle of the seat cushion.
If your vehicle has this option, the driver’s seat has
three power seat controls located on the outboard side.
To adjust the seats forward and rearward, lift the lever on
the left. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release
the lever and try to move the seat with your body to make
sure the seat is locked into place.
Lift the lever on the right and lean forward or backward
to adjust the angle of the seat cushion. Release the lever
to lock the seat into place.
A: Moving the front control up or down raises or lowers
the front of the seat cushion.
B: Moving the center control up or down raises or
lowers the whole seat. Moving it toward the front
or rear of the vehicle moves the whole seat toward
the front or rear of the vehicle.
C: Moving the third control up or down moves the
seatback up or down.
1-3
In addition to the power seat
control, there are two other
switches located on the
outboard side of the seat
that help you change the
shape of your seat.
Reclining Front Seatbacks
The front switch adjusts lumbar support for the lower
back. Push the switch down to inflate and up to deflate.
The rear switch adjusts the side bolster which gives
lateral support. Push the switch down to inflate and
up to deflate.
To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outboard
side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback
where you want it. Pull up on the lever without pushing
on the seatback and the seatback will move to its
upright position.
1-4
CAUTION:
But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle
is moving.
Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is
in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle
up, your safety belts can’t do their job when
you’re reclined like this.
The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you
could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.
The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the
belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt
forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones.
This could cause serious internal injuries.
For proper protection when the vehicle is in
motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit
well back in the seat and wear your safety
belt properly.
1-5
Head Restraints
Front Seatback Latches
The front seatbacks fold forward to let people get into
the back seat.
To fold a seatback forward,
lift the latch located on
the lower backside of
the seatback.
Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable
on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down
so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of
your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck
injury in a crash.
1-6
When you return the seatback to its original position,
make sure the seatback is locked. The latch must be
down for the seat to work properly.
Folding Rear Seatback
CAUTION:
If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it
is locked.
The rear seatback in your vehicle folds down to provide
more storage space.
To fold the seatback down do the following:
1. Pull forward on both levers.
2. Fold the seatback down.
To raise the seatback do the following:
1. Lift the seatback to its locked, upright position.
2. Be sure both latches hold the seatback in place. Push
and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
1-7
Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts
properly. It also tells you some things you should not do
with safety belts.
And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS),
or air bag system.
CAUTION:
Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear
a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and
you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries
can be much worse. You can hit things inside the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed. In the same crash, you might
not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your
safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts
are fastened properly too.
1-8
CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely
to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow
people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
Your vehicle has a light
that comes on as a reminder
to buckle up. See “Safety
Belt Reminder Light” in
the Index.
Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as
it goes.
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to
wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.
You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have
a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive.
But most crashes are in between. In many of them,
people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk
away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt
or killed.
After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles,
the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat
on wheels.
1-9
Put someone on it.
1-10
Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider
doesn’t stop.
The person keeps going until stopped by something.
or the instrument panel ...
In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...
1-11
Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts -- and the Answers
Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an
accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?
or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.
You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why
safety belts make such good sense.
1-12
A:
You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety
belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you’re upside down. And your chance of
being conscious during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if
you are belted.
Q:
If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have
to wear safety belts?
A:
Air bags are in many vehicles today and will
be in most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work with
safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag
system ever offered for sale has required the use
of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has
air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions.
Q:
If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear safety belts?
A:
You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an
accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you
and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good
driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond
your control, such as bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km)
of home. And the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than
40 mph (65 km/h).
Safety belts are for everyone.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
Adults
This part is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about
safety belts and children. And there are different rules
for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding
in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called
“Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.
First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.
We’ll start with the driver position.
1-13
Driver Position
This part describes the driver’s restraint system.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear
it properly.
1. Close and lock the door.
2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.
To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.
3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.
On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock
if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this
happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
1-14
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt
would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash.
On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you
pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
1-15
Q:
What’s wrong with this?
CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder
belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move
forward too much, which could increase injury.
The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
A:
The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly
as much protection this way.
1-16
Q:
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if your belt is
buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash,
the belt would go up over your abdomen.
The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic
bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.
Always buckle your belt into the buckle
nearest you.
A:
The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
1-17
Q:
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if you wear the
shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your
body would move too far forward, which would
increase the chance of head and neck injury.
Also, the belt would apply too much force to the
ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure internal organs
like your liver or spleen.
A:
The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should
be worn over the shoulder at all times.
1-18
Q:
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt.
In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width
of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is
twisted, make it straight so it can work properly,
or ask your dealer to fix it.
A:
The belt is twisted across the body.
1-19
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant
women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
The belt should go back out of the way.
Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the
way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both
the belt and your vehicle.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt,
and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible,
below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
1-20
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect
the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly,
it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash.
For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making
safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
Right Front Passenger Position
To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety
belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.
The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing.
If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch
plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt.
1-21
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) or air bag system.
Your vehicle has air bags -- one air bag for the driver
and another air bag for the right front passenger.
Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of
injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But these
air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and
comply with federal regulations.
Here are the most important things to know about the
air bag system:
CAUTION:
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if
you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you
have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things
inside the vehicle or being ejected from it.
Air bags are designed to work with safety belts,
but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to
work only in moderate to severe crashes where
the front of your vehicle hits something.
CAUTION: (Continued)
1-22
They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover,
rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side
crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants,
air bags may provide less protection in frontal
crashes than more forceful air bags have provided
in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear
a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an
air bag for that person.
CAUTION:
Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the
blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating
air bag, as you would be if you were leaning
forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts
help keep you in position before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with air
bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
CAUTION:
Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer
the best protection for adults, but not for young
children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety
belt system nor its air bag system is designed
for them. Young children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint system can
provide. Always secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual
called “Children.”
United States
Canada
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG or the air bag symbol.
The system checks the air bag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index
for more information.
1-23
How the Air Bag System Works
The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument
panel on the passenger’s side.
Where are the air bags?
The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
1-24
When should an air bag inflate?
CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
air bag, the bag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into that person
causing severe injury or even death. The path
of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t
put anything between an occupant and an air
bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any other
air bag covering.
An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe
frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate
only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a
wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is
about 12 to 18 mph (19 to 29 km/h). The threshold level
can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that
it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your
vehicle strikes something that will move or deform,
such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher.
The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation
would not help the occupant.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air
bag should have inflated simply because of the damage
to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact
and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or
near-frontal impacts.
1-25
What makes an air bag inflate?
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing
system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which
inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related
hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of
the right front passenger.
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that
some people may not even realize the air bag inflated.
Some components of the air bag module -- the steering
wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel
for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short
time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated
air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from
seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it
stop people from leaving the vehicle.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags
would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts and many side impacts,
primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward
those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to safety belts,
and then only in moderate to severe frontal or
near-frontal collisions.
1-26
CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can’t get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or door.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur
from the right front passenger air bag.
D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they
inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag
system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system
won’t be there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include air bag modules and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the
right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air
bag module in the steering wheel or both the air
bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.
D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the air bag system. The module records information
about the readiness of the system, when the system
commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt
usage at deployment. The module also records speed,
engine rpm, brake and throttle data.
D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
system. Improper service can mean that your air
bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.
1-27
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Rear Seat Passengers
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up!
Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear
seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
air bag can still inflate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an air bag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They
are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure
to follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualified to do so.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
1-28
Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others
in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.
On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock
if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this
happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the
latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the
release button on the buckle is positioned so you
would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly
if you ever had to.
1-29
3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.
1-30
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less
likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it,
the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could
cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.
On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you
pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder
belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move
forward too much, which could increase injury.
The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
1-31
Children
Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes
infants and all other children. Neither the distance
traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes
the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact,
the law in every state in the United States and in every
Canadian province says children up to some age must
be restrained while in a vehicle.
Infants and Young Children
Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,
they should have the protection provided by the
appropriate restraint. Young children should not use
the vehicle’s safety belts, unless there is no other choice.
1-32
CAUTION:
People should never hold a baby in their arms
while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh
much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby
will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.
For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h),
a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a
240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby
should be secured in an appropriate restraint.
1-33
Q:
What are the different types of add-on
child restraints?
A:
Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the
vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types.
Selection of a particular restraint should take into
consideration not only the child’s weight, height
and age but also whether or not the restraint will
be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it
will be used.
CAUTION:
Children who are up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer
outstanding protection for adults and older
children, but not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air
bag system is designed for them. Young children
and infants need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide.
For most basic types of child restraints, there are
many different models available. When purchasing
a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used
in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have
a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle
safety standards.
The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that
come with the restraint state the weight and
height limitations for a particular child restraint.
In addition, there are many kinds of restraints
available for children with special needs.
1-34
CAUTION:
Newborn infants need complete support,
including support for the head and neck. This
is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is
weak and its head weighs so much compared
with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant
in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint,
so the crash forces can be distributed across the
strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and
shoulders. Infants always should be secured in
appropriate infant restraints.
CAUTION:
The body structure of a young child is quite
unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom
the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip
bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular
safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones,
as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the
child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply
force on a body area that’s unprotected by any
bony structure. This alone could cause serious or
fatal injuries. Young children always should be
secured in appropriate child restraints.
1-35
Restraint Systems for Children
An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a
motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to
restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface.
Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center
of the vehicle.
1-36
A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with
the seating surface against the back of the infant.
The harness system holds the infant in place and,
in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in
the restraint.
A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for
the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes
with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.
A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to
improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some
booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some
high-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A
booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.
1-37
Q:
A:
How do child restraints work?
A child restraint system is any device designed for
use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position
children. A built-in child restraint system is a
permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on
child restraint system is a portable one, which is
purchased by the vehicle’s owner.
For many years, add-on child restraints have
used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help
reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to
be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt
system secures the add-on child restraint in the
vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness
system holds the child in place within the restraint.
One system, the three-point harness, has straps
that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders
and buckle together at the crotch. The five-point
harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip
straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the
place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder
straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low
against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type
shield has straps that are attached to a wide,
shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side.
1-38
When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child
restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is,
it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.
Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in
your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within
the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the
instructions that come with the restraint which may be
on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this
manual. The child restraint instructions are important,
so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy
from the manufacturer.
Where to Put the Restraint
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
General Motors, therefore, recommends that child
restraints be secured in the rear seat including an infant
riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a
forward-facing child seat and an older child riding
in a booster seat. Never put a rear-facing child
restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:
CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the
back of the rear-facing child restraint would be
very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure
a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat.
You may secure a forward-facing child restraint
in the right front seat, but before you do, always
move the front passenger seat as far back as it
will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in
a rear seat.
Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child
restraint properly.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can
move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any
child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child
is in it.
1-39
Top Strap
Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.”
It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision.
For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored
to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints
are designed for use with or without the top strap being
anchored. Others require the top strap always to be
anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top
strap be anchored, don’t use the restraint unless it is
anchored properly.
If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one
can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints.
Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a
kit is available.
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child
restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored.
In the United States, some child restraints also have a
top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should
be anchored.
If you have a convertible, don’t use a child restraint that
requires a top strap in your vehicle because the top strap
anchor cannot be installed properly.
1-40
Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor
points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the
same side of the vehicle as the seating position where
the child restraint will be placed. If you have an
adjustable head restraint, route the top strap under it.
Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready
to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap
when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions say.
If your vehicle is not a convertible, two top strap
anchors are already installed for the rear seating
positions. You’ll find the anchors behind the rear
seat, on the floor in the cargo area.
1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position
You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier
part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the
child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint
when and as the instructions say.
1. Put the restraint on the seat.
2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.
1-42
Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face
or neck, put it behind the child restraint.
3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while
you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using
a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.
1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position
Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat.
You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier
part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the
child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint
when and as the instructions say.
Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never
put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:
CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the
back of the rear-facing child restraint would be
very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure
a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
1-44
1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air
bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go
before securing a forward-facing child restraint.
See “Seats” in the Index.
2. Put the restraint on the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.
Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face
or neck, put it behind the child restraint.
4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
1-45
5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while
you push down on the child restraint. You may find it
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.
1-46
Older Children
Q:
A:
What is the proper way to wear safety belts?
If possible, an older child should wear a
lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a
shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should
not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit
snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the
thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen,
which could cause severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat.
In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike
other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown
out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety
belts properly.
Older children who have outgrown booster seats should
wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
1-47
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt.
The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces.
In a crash, the two children can be crushed
together and seriously injured. A belt must be
used by only one person at a time.
1-48
Q:
What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child’s face or neck?
A:
Move the child toward the center of the vehicle,
but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the
child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper
body would have the restraint that belts provide.
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind
the child. If the child wears the belt in this way,
in a crash the child might slide under the belt.
The belt’s force would then be applied right on
the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s
pelvic bones in a crash.
1-49
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you,
you should use it.
But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you
go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so
the extender will be long enough for you. The extender
will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle
that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and
use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it,
just attach it to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
1-50
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at
the time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in this section.
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2-4
2-6
2-8
2-13
2-16
2-17
2-27
2-29
2-29
2-32
2-34
2-36
2-40
2-43
2-45
2-47
Windows
Keys
Door Locks
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Hatch
Theft
Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System
(If Equipped)
PASS-KeyR II
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions
Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
Automatic Transmission Operation
Manual Transmission Operation
Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic
Transmission Only)
2-
2-47
2-48
2-48
2-49
2-50
2-50
2-51
2-56
2-59
2-61
2-62
2-67
2-74
2-82
2-86
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)
Convertible Top (If Equipped)
The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2-1
Windows
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows
closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by
the extreme heat and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from heat stroke.
Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially
with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
2-2
Power Windows
The switch for the driver’s window has an express-down
feature and is labeled AUTO. To lower the driver’s
window completely, press the bottom of the switch
briefly and release it. To open the window partially,
activate the express-down feature and press the top
of the switch when the window has lowered to the
position you want.
You can open the passenger’s window any amount by
pressing the bottom of the switch for the passenger’s
window and releasing it when the window has lowered
to the position you want.
To raise the window, press and hold the top of
the switch.
Switches on the driver’s door control each window
when the ignition is on or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. See “Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)” in the Index.
2-3
Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
2-4
This key is for the
ignition only.
However, the ignition keys don’t have plugs. Instead,
they have bar-coded key tags. These tags may be
removed by your dealer or even before the vehicle is
delivered to your dealer.
Each door key plug has a code on it that tells your
dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra door
keys. Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your
door keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made using
these plugs.
This key is for the doors
and all other locks.
If you need a new ignition key, contact your dealer
who can obtain the correct key code. In an emergency,
call Pontiac Roadside Assistance. See ”Roadside
Assistance” in the Index for more information.
NOTICE:
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
bar-coded plugs from the door keys and gives them
to the first owner.
Your vehicle has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot
of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever
lock your keys inside. You may even have to
damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you
have extra keys.
2-5
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
D Passengers -- especially children -- can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked,
the handle won’t open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.
D Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
D Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.
2-6
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your door key. If your vehicle
has the content theft-deterrent/alarm system and it is
armed, unlocking and opening a door this way will set
off the alarm after eight seconds unless the ignition
key is inserted into the ignition. See “Content
Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System” in the Index.
To lock the door from the inside, slide the lever
located on the door rearward.
To unlock the door, slide the lever located on the
door forward.
Power Door Locks
Last Door Closed Locking
Press the power door lock
switch located on the
driver’s door to lock or
unlock both doors at once.
You can program your vehicle to delay the locking of
the doors. This lets you and your passengers exit the
vehicle after you’ve pressed the power door lock switch.
All of the doors will lock once everyone has gotten out
of the vehicle and the doors are closed.
When the power door lock switch is pressed, a chime
will sound three times, indicating that the last door
closed locking feature has been activated. Pressing the
power door lock switch again will lock the doors
immediately. Pressing the unlock switch will cancel
a previously requested last door closed locking.
The power door lock switch works at all times, except
when lockout prevention (if equipped) is programmed.
The unlock switch only works when the ignition is in
RUN, ACCESSORY or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. See “Retained Accessory
The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this
feature turned off. To turn this feature on,
see “Feature Customization” in the Index.
Operating the power door locks may affect the
content theft-deterrent/alarm system (if equipped).
See “Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System” in
the Index.
2-7
Lockout Prevention
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
To protect you from locking your keys in the vehicle,
this feature stops the power door locks from locking
when the keys are in the ignition and a door is open.
If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open,
a chime will sound five times as a reminder to take the
keys out of the ignition before locking the door.
If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m)
up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this feature
turned on. If you would like to turn this feature off,
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your
door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and
close the door.
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
2-8
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation
of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
D Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
D Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
D Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.
D If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer
or a qualified technician for service.
2-9
Operation
Alarm/Panic Mode
The driver’s door will unlock automatically when
UNLOCK is pressed on the transmitter. If UNLOCK
is pressed again within five seconds, the passenger’s
door will also unlock. All doors will lock when LOCK
is pressed.
If you are involved in a panic situation, press the horn
symbol button on your remote keyless entry transmitter
and the horn will sound and the parking lamps will
flash. This will draw needed attention to you and your
vehicle. To turn this feature off, either push the horn
symbol button again or turn the ignition key to RUN.
This feature will not work if your ignition is on or if
the transmitter is 30 feet (9 m) or more away from
your vehicle.
The hatch will unlock when the REAR 2X button on the
transmitter is pressed twice within five seconds (pause
slightly between presses) and as long as the ignition is
turned to OFF. If the ignition is on, the REAR 2X button
will only work if the transmission is in PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission, or if the parking brake is set on
a manual transmission.
The system will turn on the interior lamps for about
40 seconds (or until the ignition is turned to RUN),
when you unlock the doors or hatch. The interior lamps
will go off when you lock the doors.
Operating the remote keyless entry transmitter may
interact with the content theft-deterrent/alarm system
(if equipped). See “Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm
System” in the Index.
2-10
Transmitter Verification
This feature provides feedback to the holder of the
remote keyless entry transmitter that a command has
been received by the keyless entry receiver. The parking
lamps will flash on every lock and unlock command
and the horn will sound only if the LOCK button is
pressed twice within five seconds. This allows for silent
operation of locking and unlocking, unless a confirming
horn chirp is desired. Other options may be selected for
this feature (see “Feature Customization” in the Index).
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of
four transmitters matched to it.
Have each transmitter you intend to match ready for
the next steps. To match transmitters to your vehicle,
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN, then to OFF.
This will disarm the content theft-deterrent/alarm
system (if equipped).
3. Turn the ignition key from OFF to RUN three times
quickly (within five seconds). The vehicle will
respond by locking the doors, unlocking the driver’s
door and releasing the hatch. Your transmitter is
now ready to match the vehicle. Leave the ignition
in RUN.
4. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons
on the first transmitter for 15 seconds. The vehicle
will respond as in Step 3.
5. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining transmitters.
6. When you have finished matching all of your
transmitters, replace the RADIO fuse.
7. Check that all transmitters work by pressing
the buttons.
If the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not
match the transmitters yourself, see your dealer.
2. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is located in the
main fuse block which is located on the left side of
your instrument panel. See “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index.
2-11
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about two years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.
NOTICE:
When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any
of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred
to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry
transmitter, do the following:
1. Carefully pry off the cover by inserting a coin
(or similar object) in the slot between the covers
and twist.
2. Lift off the back cover.
3. Remove and replace the battery. Use one battery,
type CR2032, or a similar type. Put the new battery
in printed side down.
4. Put the back cover on. Make sure the cover is on
tight so water won’t get in.
5. Check the transmitter operation. If the transmitter
does not work after battery replacement, it may need
to be resynchronized or matched to your vehicle.
See “Resynchronization” following.
2-12
Resynchronization
Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security
method used by the remote keyless entry system.
The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to
the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal
that has been sent previously. This prevents anyone
from recording and playing back the signal from
the transmitter.
To resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver,
do the following:
1. Stand close to the vehicle.
2. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons
on the transmitter at the same time for about
eight seconds.
The door locks should cycle and the interior lamps
should flash to confirm resynchronization.
If this does not happen, you may need to replace the
battery in your transmitter or match the transmitter to
your vehicle. See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
Hatch
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come
into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the hatch open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the hatch:
D Make sure all other windows are shut.
D Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on vent. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in
the Index.
D If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
2-13
Hatch Release
Your door key opens the hatch from the outside.
If your vehicle has the content theft-deterrent/alarm
system and the system is armed, opening the hatch this
way will trigger the alarm. First disarm the system or
use the remote keyless entry transmitter to open the
hatch. See “Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System”
in the Index.
Remote Hatch Release
Press the button located
under the exterior lamp
control on the driver’s side
below the instrument panel
to unlock the hatch from
inside your vehicle.
If you have an automatic transmission, the shift lever
must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to use the
remote hatch release. If you have a manual transmission
and the ignition is in RUN, you must set the parking
brake before you can use the remote hatch release.
This button only works when the ignition is in RUN,
ACCESSORY or when RAP is active. See “Retained
Accessory Power (RAP)” in the Index.
NOTICE:
If you put things in the hatchback area, be sure
they won’t break the glass when you close it.
Never slam the hatch down. You could break the
glass or damage the defogger grid (if equipped).
On vehicles with the content theft-deterrent/alarm
system, the remote hatch release button will not
work while the system is armed. See “Content
2-14
Trunk Release Handle (Convertible Only)
NOTICE:
The trunk release handle was not designed to
be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk release handle could damage it.
There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle
located on the inside wall of the trunk near the floor.
The handle is on the passenger’s side. This handle will
glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle
down to open the trunk from the inside.
2-15
Theft
Parking at Night
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so
don’t do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you take the key with you, and you have an
automatic transmission, it will be locked. And remember
to lock the doors.
2-16
Parking Lots
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your
ignition key?
D If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area.
D Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box.
D
D
D
D
D
Be sure to close and lock the storage area.
Close all windows.
Lock the glove box.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.
Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm
System (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this feature, it has a theft-deterrent
alarm system. Once armed, the system will sound
the horn and flash the parking lamps if the vehicle is
broken into.
Arming the System
The alarm system can be armed to detect break-ins
by locking your vehicle with the remote keyless entry
transmitter or by locking the doors with the power door
lock switch.
Passive arming is also available if you would like the
system to arm all by itself after the doors have been
closed for a short time. When the system is armed,
a red light located on top of the instrument panel will
flash briefly once every two seconds. If you return
to your vehicle and the red light is flashing two brief
flashes every two seconds, the system is armed and the
shock sensor had triggered a two minute alarm. If the
red light is flashing three times every two seconds, the
system is armed and there was an intrusion that sounded
the alarm. Horn chirps and parking lamp flashes can be
customized to your personal preference. See “Feature
Customization” in the Index.
Turning Off the Alarm
If you started the alarm by pressing the panic button on
the remote keyless entry transmitter, you must either
push that button again or turn the ignition to RUN to
stop the alarm.
If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a
door or hatch opening, it can be turned off by either
turning the ignition to RUN with a proper key or
by pressing any button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. If you use your remote keyless entry
transmitter to silence the alarm, additional things
will happen depending on which button you press.
D Pressing the UNLOCK button will turn the alarm
off, unlock the driver’s door and disarm the system.
D Pressing the panic button or the LOCK button will
turn the alarm off, keep the doors locked and keep
the system armed.
D Pressing the REAR 2X button will turn the alarm off
and keep the system armed. A second push of the
button (within five seconds, pausing slightly between
presses) will unlock and disarm the hatch only.
If the alarm is sounding because an incorrect ignition
key was used, press any button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter to turn the alarm off.
The alarm will stop by itself after two minutes.
2-17
the vehicle and a full two-minute alarm for harder blows
to the vehicle. Its sensitivity can be adjusted if more or
less sensitivity is desired. If sensitivity is increased too
much, it may give false alarms caused by gusts of wind
or other natural events that may shake the vehicle.
Shock Sensor
When your vehicle is new, there will be a label covering
the adjustment knob. Remove the label and adjust the
sensor as desired. Turn the knob clockwise to increase
sensitivity and counterclockwise to decrease sensitivity.
The shock sensor is ignored by the alarm system when
the following happens:
Coupe
Convertible
The shock sensor is what triggers the alarm when it
detects a blow to your vehicle. It is located over the
wheelhouse near the spare tire in the hatch area,
on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. There are two
levels of alarms via the shock sensor. Two horn blasts
and parking lamp flashes for non-threatening blows to
2-18
D
D
D
D
D
The ignition is on,
the hatch is open,
the alarm is disarmed,
when customized to be ignored, or
for five seconds after the horn sounds an
alarm or chirp.
The shock sensor is ignored after triggering three
full alarms until the system is rearmed.
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking
Passive Arming
If all the doors are closed, locking the vehicle with the
remote keyless entry transmitter will immediately arm
the system. The horn will chirp twice and the parking
lamps will flash, confirming that the system is armed.
If the ignition was just turned off and a door was
opened, the system will arm six seconds after both
doors are closed, whether or not you lock them.
In all other cases, the system will wait 30 seconds after
both doors are closed before arming, allowing you time
to get into the vehicle and put the key in the ignition.
The parking lamps will flash when the system arms.
If any door is open when the LOCK button is pressed,
the system goes into an armed wait mode, waiting for
the doors to close. Once they are closed, the system
will arm, the horn will chirp twice and the parking
lamps will flash. If the hatch is open or ajar at the time
the system is arming, the horn will only chirp once.
The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this
feature turned off. To turn this feature on,
Power Door Lock Switch Locking
Disarming the System
If any door is open when the power door lock switch
is pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode,
waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed,
the system will arm and the parking lamps will flash.
If both doors are closed when the power door lock
switch is pressed, the system assumes you are inside
the vehicle, so it will not arm. Locking the doors by
using the manual door locks will not arm the system.
There are two ways to disarm the system:
D Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter. If the horn chirps two or three
times when you unlock the vehicle, the alarm
sounded in your absence. Two chirps means that
the shock sensor was set off and three chirps means
that a door or the hatch was opened.
D Turn the ignition key to RUN.
For more information on customizing the features
mentioned here, see “Feature Customization” in
the Index.
2-19
Feature Customization (If Equipped)
Your vehicle’s content theft-deterrent/alarm system, locks and lighting systems can be programmed with
several different features. The features you can program depend upon the options that came with your vehicle.
The following chart shows the features that can be programmed. To determine which features your vehicle is
equipped with, follow the steps listed for entering the programming mode.
2-20
Entering Programming Mode
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
To program any feature, your vehicle must be in the
programming mode. Follow these steps:
With exit lighting, your interior lamps will come on
for up to 25 seconds when the key is removed from
the ignition.
1. Put your key in the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition to RUN to disarm the content
theft-deterrent/alarm system.
3. Turn the ignition to OFF.
With delayed illumination, your interior lamps will
come on and stay on for up to 25 seconds when
entering your vehicle and up to five seconds when
leaving your vehicle.
4. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is in the
main fuse block, located on the left side of your
instrument panel. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers”
in the Index.
Programmable Modes
5. Turn the ignition toward you to ACCESSORY.
Mode 3: Exit Lighting Only
6. Count the number of chimes you hear. You will
hear one or two chimes depending on the features
your vehicle is equipped with. Refer to the chart
shown previously.
Mode 4: Both On
Mode 1: Both Off
Mode 2: Delayed Illumination Only
You can now program your choices.
To exit the programming mode, follow the steps
listed under “Leaving Programming Mode” later in
this section.
2-21
Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed in Mode 4. The mode to which the vehicle
has been programmed may have been changed since it
left the factory. To determine the mode to which your
vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a
different mode, do the following:
1. Turn the courtesy lamps on by turning the instrument
panel brightness thumbwheel all the way up.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set
for. (If you do not wish to change the current mode,
you can either exit the programming mode by
following the instructions later in this section or
program the next feature available on your vehicle.)
3. Turn the courtesy lamps off to change the
current mode.
4. Turn the courtesy lamps from on to off until you hear
the number of chimes that corresponds to the mode
selection you want.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
later in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle.
2-22
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention
These features are designed to help prevent your keys
from being locked in your vehicle.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: Both Off (Doors will lock/unlock when you
press the power door lock switch.)
Mode 2: Lockout Prevention Only (If you leave your
keys in the ignition and leave through the driver’s door,
you won’t be able to lock the doors with the power door
lock switch.)
Mode 3: Last Door Closed Locking Only (If the power
door lock switch is used to lock the vehicle while any
door is open, you will hear three chimes. The doors will
not lock until after all doors are closed.)
Mode 4: Both On (This combines Mode 2 and 3.)
1. Press the power door lock switch located on
the door.
3. Press the power door lock switch again on the door
until you hear the number of chimes that corresponds
to the mode selection you want.
on your vehicle.
Remote Keyless Entry Verification
This feature provides feedback when the vehicle
receives a command from the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: All Off (The headlamps will not flash and
the horn will not sound to provide you feedback that a
lock/unlock command has been received by the remote
keyless entry transmitter.)
Mode 2: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (Your horn will
sound briefly and your parking lamps will flash
when you press LOCK on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. Only your parking lamps will flash when
you press UNLOCK.)
Mode 3: Horn and Lamps (Your horn will sound briefly
and your parking lamps will flash every time you push
LOCK or UNLOCK.)
Mode 4: Lamps (Your parking lamps will flash every
time you press LOCK or UNLOCK.)
Mode 5: Lamps/Horn and Lamps/Lamps (Your lamps
will flash upon the first press on LOCK, your lamps
will flash and your horn will sound upon the second
press on LOCK and your lamps will flash upon any
press on UNLOCK.)
2-23
1. Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
3. Press the UNLOCK button, again, on the remote
keyless entry transmitter until you hear the number
of chimes that corresponds to the mode selection
you want.
on your vehicle.
2-24
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification
With this feature, you can program your vehicle to
give verification when the theft-deterrent system has
been armed.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: All Off (No horn chirps or parking lamp flash.)
Mode 2: Horn and Lamps (Your parking lamps will
flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify the system
is armed using any arming method.)
Mode 3: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (If you use the
remote keyless entry transmitter to arm the system,
your parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp
twice to verify that the system is armed. If it only chirps
once, the hatch is open or unlatched. If you use either
the power door lock switch or passive arming, only your
parking lamps will flash for verification.)
Mode 4: Lamps (When your vehicle arms, only your
parking lamps will flash for verification.)
1. Press the LOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
3. Press the LOCK button, again, on the remote
keyless entry transmitter until you hear the number
of chimes that corresponds to the mode selection
you want.
on your vehicle.
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method
With this feature, you can program your vehicle to arm
the content theft-deterrent/alarm system using the
remote keyless entry transmitter, the power door lock
switch or by passive arming.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: Alarm System Off (The system will not arm.)
Mode 2: Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Lock
(When you lock your doors using the LOCK button
on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the system
will arm itself.)
Mode 3: Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter/Power
Door Lock Switch (If you use either the LOCK button
on the remote keyless entry transmitter or the power
door lock switch to lock the doors, the system will
arm itself.)
Mode 4: Passive Arming and Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter/Power Door Lock Switch Arming
(The system will arm itself after all doors are closed,
plus arming per Mode 3.)
2-25
1. Press the unlock switch on the door.
3. Press the unlock switch, again, on the door until you
hear the number of chimes that corresponds to the
mode selection you want.
on your vehicle.
2-26
Driver’s Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable
These features will allow you to change when the alarm
system will sound and to turn the shock sensor on or off.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Disabled
(The alarm will sound immediately if the driver’s door
is opened with your key and the shock sensor will not
be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)
Mode 2: Eight-Second Delay and Shock Sensor
Disabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the
driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock
sensor will not be available to measure sharp blows to
your vehicle.)
Mode 3: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled
(The alarm will sound immediately after the driver’s
door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will
be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)
Mode 4: Eight-Second Delay and Shock Sensor
Enabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the
driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock
sensor will be available to measure sharp blows to
your vehicle.)
1. Turn the parking lamps on and off.
3. Turn the parking lamps on and off, again, until you
hear the number of chimes that corresponds to the
mode selection you want.
next in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle.
Exiting Programming Mode
When programming is complete, turn the ignition to
OFF and reinstall the RADIO fuse.
PASS-KeyR II
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key II
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key II is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
It works when you insert
or remove the key from
the ignition.
PASS-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS-Key II system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s
starter and fuel systems. For about three minutes,
the starter won’t work and fuel won’t go to the engine.
If someone tries to start your vehicle again or uses
another key during this time, the vehicle will not start.
This discourages someone from randomly trying
different keys with different resistor pellets in an
attempt to make a match.
2-27
The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start.
If the engine does not start
and the SECURITY light
stays on when you try to
start the vehicle, the key
may be dirty or wet.
Turn the ignition off.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this
time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in
the Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key,
your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start,
the first ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer or
a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key II.
2-28
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged
or missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work.
The SECURITY light will flash. But you don’t have
to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS-Key II to have a new key made.
If you’re ever driving and the SECURITY light
comes on and stays on, you will be able to restart your
engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key II system,
however, is not working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key II system.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key II ignition key, see
your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key II
to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Center. See “Roadside
Assistance” in the Index for more information.
New Vehicle “Break-In”
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:
D Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).
D Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
D Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
D Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn the switch to
five different positions.
A (ACCESSORY): This is the position in which
you can operate your electrical accessories. Push in
the ignition switch as you turn it toward you.
2-29
B (LOCK): This is the only position from which you
can remove the key. This position locks your steering
wheel, ignition and automatic transmission.
If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch can’t be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever
is in PARK (P).
CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don’t press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. Turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
C (OFF): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and automatic transmission, but does not send
electrical power to any accessories. Use this position
if your vehicle must be pushed or towed. A warning
tone will sound if you open the driver’s door when the
ignition is off and the key is in the ignition.
D (RUN): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in RUN when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to
operate your electrical power accessories and to display
some instrument panel warning and indicator lights.
2-30
E (START): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition will return to
RUN for normal driving.
Even if the engine is not running, ACCESSORY or
RUN or Retained Accessory Power (RAP), when active,
allows you to operate your electrical accessories, such as
the radio and ventilation fan. See “Retained Accessory
Key Release Button (If Equipped)
If you have a manual
transmission, your
ignition lock has a
key release button.
You must press the key release button to turn the
ignition key to LOCK before you can take your key out.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature. It allows certain features on
your vehicle to continue to work for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition key is turned to OFF.
Your convertible top, power windows, power mirrors
and audio system will work when the ignition key is in
RUN or ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
RUN to OFF, these features will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until a door is opened.
Your power door unlock and remote hatch release
features will work when the ignition key is in RUN or
ACCESSORY, or if either door is open. Once the key
is turned to OFF, these features will continue to work
for up to 10 minutes. If a door is open and the ignition
key is off, these features will continue to work until both
doors have been closed for about 30 seconds or until the
theft-deterrent system arms. At that time, both the
power door unlock and remote hatch release features
will be disabled to enhance the security of the vehicle.
The power door lock function will work at all
times except when lockout prevention is enabled.
See “Lockout Prevention” in the Index.
2-31
Starting Your Engine
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine
Automatic Transmission
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s
a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when
your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and
start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch
pedal is not all the way down -- that’s a safety feature.
2-32
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, hold your
key in START for about 10 seconds at a time until
your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key
in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, do the same
thing. This time keep the pedal down for five or six
seconds to clear the extra gasoline from the engine.
After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal
starting procedure.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
Starting Your 5.7L V8 Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you
hold the ignition key in START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
2-33
When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0_F or -18_C), do this:
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there up to
15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key.
2. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, do the same
thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five
or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from
the engine.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
2-34
In very cold weather, 0_F (-18_C) or colder,
the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine
warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be
plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting
your vehicle. At temperatures above 32_F (0_C),
use of the coolant heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is attached to the outside of the underhood
fuse box.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some
other things. Instead of trying to list everything here,
we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where
you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you
the best advice for that particular area.
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach,
use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord
rated for at least 15 amps.
2-35
Automatic Transmission Operation
PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It’s the
best position to use when you start your engine because
your vehicle can’t move easily.
CAUTION:
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
2-36
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer”
in the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to
fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on floor
shift console models as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
(Press the shift lever button before moving the shift
lever on floor shift console models.) See “Shifting Out
of PARK (P)” in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see
“Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.
2-37
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine
doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you’re:
D Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h),
push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is “racing” (running at high speed)
is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people
or objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
D Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more,
push the accelerator all the way down.
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
D When driving on hilly, winding roads.
D When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.
2-38
D When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
If you have a 5.7L V8 engine and manually select
SECOND (2) when you start the vehicle, the transmission
will drive (and stay) in second gear. You may use this
feature for reducing torque to the rear wheels when you
are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery
road surfaces, or for preventing the transmission from
downshifting into FIRST (1) in situations where a
downshift would be undesirable.
NOTICE:
Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h), or you can damage your transmission.
Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or
THIRD (3) as much as possible.
Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are
going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you
can damage your engine.
FIRST (1): This position (if equipped) gives you
even more power (but lower fuel economy) than
SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills,
or in deep snow or mud. If the gearshift lever is put in
first gear, the transmission won’t shift into FIRST (1)
until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your rear wheels can’t turn, don’t try to drive.
This might happen if you were stuck in very deep
sand or mud or were up against a solid object.
You could damage your transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal.
This could overheat and damage the transmission.
Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold
your vehicle in position on a hill.
Maximum engine speed is limited to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
2-39
Manual Transmission Operation
Five-Speed
This is the shift pattern
for the five-speed
manual transmission.
Here’s how to operate your transmission:
FIRST (1): Press the clutch and shift into FIRST (1).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less
than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete
stop and it’s hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal to the floor
as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into
SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way
you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch as
you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the
clutch pedal and brake pedal, and shift into NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R): To back up, press the clutch pedal
and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped. Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving could damage your transmission.
Also use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake,
for parking your vehicle.
2-40
Six-Speed
This is the shift pattern
for the six-speed
manual transmission.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and
SIXTH (6): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4),
FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) gear the same way you do
for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the
clutch pedal and brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
Here’s how to operate your transmission:
FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less
than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete
stop and it’s hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up
on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal.
REVERSE (R): To back up, press the clutch pedal and
shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal
slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. If you shift
from SIXTH (6) into REVERSE (R), the shift lever
must be first placed in NEUTRAL position centered
between SECOND (2) and THIRD (3) prior to shifting
into REVERSE (R).
Your six-speed manual transmission has a feature that
allows you to safely shift into REVERSE (R) while the
vehicle is rolling at less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
If you have turned your ignition off and want to
park your vehicle in REVERSE (R), you will have to
move the shift lever quickly to the right, then forward
into gear.
2-41
Shift Speeds
CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Don’t shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or
more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for
good performance.
NOTICE:
If you skip more than one gear when you downshift,
or if you race the engine when you downshift,
you can damage the clutch or transmission.
Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
When the SKIP SHIFT light
is on, the gearshift lever
will require that you
shift from FIRST (1) to
FOURTH (4) instead of
shifting from FIRST (1)
to SECOND (2).
This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear
for best fuel economy.
2-42
Once you are in FOURTH (4), you can apply the clutch
again and shift into another gear.
This feature helps you get the best possible fuel economy.
Parking Brake
It will come on under these conditions:
D The engine coolant temperature is greater than
170_F (77_C),
D you are going 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 km/h) and
D you are at 35 percent throttle or less.
Follow the shift speeds listed below when the SKIP
SHIFT light is on.
Computer-Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds
D 1st to 4th @ 15 mph (24 km/h)
D 4th to 5th @ 25 mph (40 km/h)*
D 5th to 6th @ 49 mph (64 km/h)**
Each time you come to a stop, the engine’s Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) determines when to activate
the skip shift upshift system. The skip shift upshift
system is bypassed when you accelerate with more
than 35 percent throttle.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and
pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on,
the brake system warning light will come on.
*30 mph (48 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds.
**45 mph (72 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds.
2-43
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your parking brakes to overheat. You may have
to replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section
shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down.
Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push in the
release button. Hold the release button in as you move
the brake lever all the way down.
2-44
Shifting Into PARK (P)
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move,
even when you’re on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow. If you’re pulling a
trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way
toward the front of your vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand,
your vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-45
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and
your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it.
After you’ve moved the shift lever into PARK (P),
hold down the regular brake pedal. See if you can
move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without
first pushing in the button. If you can, it means that
the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P).
2-46
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into
PARK (P)” in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to
have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to
take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in
the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out
of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. See “Automatic Transmission”
in the Index.
Before you get out of your vehicle, move the shift lever
into REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake.
Once the shift lever has been placed into REVERSE (R)
with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the
ignition key to OFF, remove the key and release
the clutch.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
If your vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer,
see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
2-47
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.
2-48
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
D Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.
D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
D Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
D Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over
road debris.
D Repairs weren’t done correctly.
D Your vehicle or exhaust system had
been modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
D Drive it only with all the windows down
to blow out any CO; and
D Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
Running Your Engine While You’re
Parked (Automatic Transmission)
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under
“Engine Exhaust.”
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even
if the fan is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is a garage. Exhaust -- with
CO -- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
See “Blizzard” in the Index.
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you’ve left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t
move. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a
trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
2-49
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Tilt Wheel
If your vehicle has this feature, your limited-slip rear
axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice,
sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest
level to give your legs more room when you exit and
enter the vehicle.
The lever that allows you to tilt the steering wheel is
located on the left side of the steering column.
Horn
To sound the horn, press either horn symbol on your
steering wheel.
If your horn sounds two or three chirps when unlocking
your vehicle with the remote keyless entry transmitter
(if equipped), the alarm was triggered while you were
away. Check the vehicle before entering.
To tilt the wheel, hold the wheel and pull the lever toward
you. Then move the steering wheel to a comfortable
position and release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
2-50
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow
you to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up
or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will
return automatically.
An arrow on the
instrument panel
cluster will flash in
the direction of the
turn or lane change.
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
D
D
D
D
D
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
Windshield Wipers
Windshield Washer
Cruise Control
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t
flash but just stay on as you signal a turn or lane change,
a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t
see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you
signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index).
2-51
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
When the high beams are
on, this light located on the
instrument panel cluster
also will be on.
To change the headlamps from low beam to high or
from high beam to low, pull the turn signal lever all the
way toward you. Then release it.
Windshield Wipers
You can control the windshield wipers by turning the
band with the wiper symbol on it, located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.
For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST.
Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go.
The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want
more cycles, hold the band on MIST longer.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain
or snow. Turn the band to choose the delay time.
The closer to LO, the shorter the delay.
2-52
For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away
from you to the LO position. For high-speed wiping,
turn the band further, to HI. To stop the wipers,
turn the band to OFF.
Damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing
well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage, be sure to
clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using
them. If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefully
loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers.
A circuit breaker will stop them until the motor cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
There is a paddle with the word PUSH on it at the top of
the turn signal/multifunction lever. To spray washer fluid
on the windshield, push the paddle briefly. The washer
will continue to spray until you release the paddle.
The wipers will clear the window and wipe a few more
times before stopping or returning to the previous setting.
See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index.
When you apply your brakes or push the clutch pedal
(manual transmission), the cruise control shuts off.
CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can
maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more
without keeping your foot
on the accelerator.
This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
CAUTION:
D Cruise control can be dangerous where
D
you can’t drive safely at a steady speed.
So, don’t use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes
in tire traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control.
Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the optional
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
See “Traction Control System” in the Index.
When road conditions allow you to safely use it
again, you may turn the cruise control back on.
2-53
Setting Cruise Control
CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control switch on when
you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you don’t want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
1. Move the cruise control switch to ON.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Push in the SET button at the end of the lever
and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
2-54
Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired
speed and then apply the brake or clutch pedal.
This, of course, shuts off the cruise control.
But you don’t need to reset it.
Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more,
you can move the cruise control switch from ON to
R/A (Resume/Accelerate) briefly.
You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and
stay there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
There are three ways to go to a higher speed:
D Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.
Push the button at the end of the lever, then release
the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now
cruise at the higher speed.
D To increase your speed in very small amounts,
briefly move the switch to R/A and then release it.
Each time you do this, your vehicle will go about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
D Move the cruise switch from ON to R/A. Hold it
there until you get up to the speed you want, and
then release the switch.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Using Cruise Control on Hills
There are two ways to reduce your speed while using
cruise control:
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to
be too much trouble and don’t use cruise control on
steep hills.
D Push in the button at the end of the lever until you
reach the lower speed you want, then release it.
D To slow down in very small amounts, briefly push
the button. Each time you do this, you’ll go about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Ending Out of Cruise Control
There are several ways to turn off the cruise control:
D Step lightly on the brake pedal or push the clutch
pedal, if you have a manual transmission, or
D move the cruise switch to OFF.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.
2-55
Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamp control has three positions:
OFF: Turning the control to this position turns off all
lamps, except the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).
(Parking Lamps): Turning the control to this
position turns on the parking lamps, together with
the following:
D
D
D
D
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
(Headlamps): Turning the control to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
The control located on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering column operates the exterior lamps.
2-56
Headlamps on Reminder
If you turn the ignition off and leave the lamps on, you
will hear a chime lasting up to five seconds. If the lamps
are still on when you open the driver’s door, the chime
will sound again.
Headlamp Doors
The headlamp doors are designed to open when you
turn the headlamps on and close when you turn the
headlamps off. The headlamp doors can be opened
without turning on the headlamps by turning the
headlamps on, then turning the exterior lamp control
back to the parking lamps position.
The headlamp doors should be open when driving in
icy or snowy conditions to prevent the doors from
freezing closed, and when washing the vehicle to help
clean the headlamps.
To open the headlamp doors manually, do the following:
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the plastic cover from the retractor
motor knob.
3. Turn the retractor motor knob counterclockwise
until the headlamp door is fully open. The knob
will get harder to turn when the headlamp door is
all the way up.
4. Reinstall the plastic cover on the retractor
motor knob.
To manually close the headlamp doors, turn the
lamps off and turn the retractor motor knob
clockwise. If the headlamp doors aren’t working
properly, see your dealer.
2-57
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle during
the day. DRL can be helpful in many different
driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful
in the short periods after dawn and before sunset.
Fully functional daytime running lamps are required
on all vehicles first sold in Canada.
For Canadian vehicles, a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel automatically turns the headlamps on,
so be sure it isn’t covered.
The DRL system will not activate if the parking brake
is engaged prior to turning the ignition on.
The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when the following conditions are met:
D
D
D
D
The ignition is on,
the exterior lamp control is off,
the parking brake is released, and
it is bright enough outside (on Canadian vehicles).
2-58
When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won’t be on. Your instrument panel won’t be lit up
either. When you use your turn signals, the front turn
signal and the taillamp on the desired side will flash.
For Canadian vehicles, when it’s dark enough outside,
your front turn signal lamps will go out and your
headlamps will come on. The other lamps that come
on with your headlamps will also come on. When it’s
bright enough outside, the regular lamps will go off,
and your front turn signal lamps will come on.
On a non-Canadian vehicle, the headlamps have to be
turned on manually when you need them. On Canadian
and non-Canadian vehicles, when the headlamps are
turned on, the front turn signal lamps will go out.
When you use your turn signals, the front turn signal
lamp and the taillamp on the desired side will flash.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Fog Lamps
Interior Lamps
Use your fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty
conditions. Your parking lamps must be on or your
fog lamps won’t work.
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
Your fog lamp switch is
located on your instrument
panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
To turn the fog lamps on, push the right side of the
fog lamp switch and a light on the switch will come on
indicating that the fog lamps are on. Push the left side
of the fog lamp switch to turn the fog lamps off.
The fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam
headlamps come on. When the high-beam headlamps
go off, the fog lamps will come on again.
If your vehicle is equipped with the content
theft-deterrent/alarm system and your fog lamp switch
is on, the fog lamps may flash to indicate operation of the
content theft-deterrent/alarm system. See “Content
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The thumbwheel for this feature is located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column.
Move the thumbwheel up or down to brighten or dim
the lights. If you move the thumbwheel all the way up,
your courtesy lamps will come on.
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Courtesy Lamps
Delayed Illumination
When either door is opened, several interior lamps
go on. These lamps are courtesy lamps. They make it
easier for you to enter and leave your vehicle.
With delayed illumination, the courtesy lamps will
come on and stay on for 25 seconds after you enter
the vehicle and close the doors. They will also stay on
for five seconds after you exit the vehicle and close the
doors. Delayed illumination will be shortened if the
ignition is turned to RUN or if the power locks are
activated. To turn this feature on or off, see “Feature
Customization” in the Index.
Courtesy lamps include two map lamps on the inside
rearview mirror and other lamps throughout the interior
of your vehicle.
To prevent battery rundown, your interior lamps will be
disabled for about 10 minutes after the ignition is turned
to OFF. The 10-minute timer will be restarted if you do
any of the following:
D Turn the ignition on.
D Open either door.
D Press any button on your remote keyless entry
transmitter (if equipped).
D Turn the interior lamps from off to on.
D Open the hatch.
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Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition to help you see
while exiting the vehicle. To turn this feature on or off,
Front Map Lamps
Your inside rearview mirror includes two map lamps.
Each lamp has its own switch. Use the switch closest
to the lamp to turn it on. The lamps will also come on
when a door is opened.
Mirrors
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
An inside rearview mirror is attached to your
windshield. The mirror pivots so that you can adjust it.
You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving.
Pull the tab for night driving to reduce glare. Push the
tab for daytime driving.
To adjust either mirror, move the selector switch to
L (left) or to R (right). The center position is off.
Then use the arrows on the control pad to adjust the
mirror in the direction you want it to go.
Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from
the driver’s seat.
Power Remote Control Mirrors
CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The power mirror control is located on the driver’s door.
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Storage Compartments
Cargo Cover
Glove Box
Using the Cargo Cover
To open the glove box, lift up on the lever. Use your
door key to lock or unlock it. The glove box has a
lamp inside.
Front Console
To use the storage area, push in the button and
pull up on the console cover. It will open to the right.
Map Pocket
Each door has a map pocket. There may also be
a map pocket on the back of the seats.
Compact Disc Storage
You have a storage area for compact discs in
your console.
The cargo cover can be closed for hidden storage in the
rear area of your vehicle. It can also help reduce noise in
the vehicle when placed in the upright position, closing
out the rear area.
When carrying large or heavy items, it is a good idea to
open the cover and place the items in the rear area of
the vehicle.
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Removing the Cargo Cover
CAUTION:
An improperly stored cargo cover could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision
or sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured. If you remove the cover, always store
it outside the vehicle. When you put it back,
always be sure that it is securely reattached.
1. Close the cover. If the cargo cover is not closed and
resting on the trim panel, it cannot be removed.
2. Pull the cover toward you to unsnap it. Then slide
the cargo cover along the groove in the trim panel.
Reverse the steps to install the cover.
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Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
Lift up the cover to open the ashtray. To remove it, lift
up on either side of the ashtray. If you have an automatic
transmission, the ashtray is near the front of the console.
If you have a manual transmission, the ashtray is in front
of the cupholder.
NOTICE:
Don’t put papers and other things that burn
into your ashtray. If you do, cigarettes or
other smoking materials could set them on fire,
causing damage.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
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NOTICE:
Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to
back away from the heating element when it’s
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
If you plug accessories into your cigarette lighter, such
as heating devices or air compressors, these accessories
should have a rated current of less than 15 amps.
Exceeding this limit will result in a blown fuse.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors.
You can also swing them to the side.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Pull down the sun visor and lift the cover to expose the
vanity mirror.
Accessory Power Outlet
The accessory power outlet can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or a
CB radio.
The accessory power outlet is located behind a closed
cover in front of the parking brake on the console.
NOTICE:
When using the accessory power outlet:
D The maximum load of any electrical
equipment should not exceed 3 amps.
D Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment
when not in use. Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended periods can
drain your battery.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on the accessory power outlet.
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NOTICE:
NOTICE:
Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle
can damage it or keep other things from working
as they should. This wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper
use of the power outlet can cause damage not
covered by your warranty.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
installation instructions included with the equipment.
We recommend that you see a qualified technician or
your dealer for the proper installation of your equipment.
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Floor Mats
Your vehicle’s floor mats are custom-fitted to the floor
wells. Be sure the driver’s floor mat is in place. If it
isn’t, it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, brake
pedal or with the clutch pedal on manual transmissions.
T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)
Removing the T-Top Roof Panels
CAUTION:
Don’t try to remove the T-top panel while the
vehicle is moving. Trying to remove the T-top
panel while the vehicle is moving could cause an
accident. The panel could fall into the vehicle and
cause you to lose control, or it could fly off and
strike another vehicle. You or others could be
injured. Remove the T-top panel only when the
vehicle is parked.
1. The door key unlocks the T-top panels. The lock
is located over each door window. Turn the key
counterclockwise to unlock the panel.
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Storing the T-Top Roof Panels
CAUTION:
If the T-top panel is not stored properly, it could
be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden
maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured.
Whenever you store the T-top panel in the vehicle,
always be sure that it is stored securely in the
correct storage slot with the T-top handle closed.
1. Open the cargo cover completely.
2. Then pull on the release handle to unlatch the panel.
3. Lift the outer edge of the panel and pull it toward
you. Then carry the panel to the rear of the vehicle
for storage.
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2. Place the panel in the correct slot (DRIVER or
PASSENGER) in the rear area of your vehicle.
Make sure the handle is open and facing you
when you put it in the storage slot.
3. Push the handle down to close and secure the panel
in the slot. To lock each panel in the storage area,
use your door key.
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Installing the T-Top Roof Panels
CAUTION:
An improperly attached roof panel may fall into
or fly off the vehicle. You or others could be
injured. After installing the roof panel, always
check that it is firmly attached by pushing up on
the underside of the panel. Check now and then
to be sure the roof panel is firmly in place.
1. When installing the panels on the roof, keep the
outboard edge of the panel raised about 3 inches
(8 cm) above the roof while placing the inboard
edge of the panel under the center of the roof.
2. After the inboard edge of the panel is in position
under the center roof rail, lower the outboard edge
of the panel into position, close the latch and lock
the T-top.
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NOTICE:
Do not attempt to install the panels by sliding
them horizontally toward the center roof rail.
Doing so may cause the weatherstrips to be
aligned improperly, which may result in leaks
and possible damage to the weatherstrips.
NOTICE:
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle. Never spray water directly
at the roof panel joints. This will cause leaks.
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T-Top Sunshades
To install the T-top sunshades do the following:
1. Start with the panel marked DRIVER FRONT.
Unlatch the driver’s side T-top, raise it halfway and
close the latch handle.
2. With the top raised and resting on the center roof
rail, slide the flat edge of the sunshade panel (with
the vinyl side to the glass) between the glass and
plastic trim, making sure the edge marked DRIVER
FRONT is pointing to the front of the vehicle.
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3. Open the latch and close the T-top. Check to see if
there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T-top and
adjust the sunshade as required.
4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can
stick the VelcroR buttons on the glass for a proper
fit every time you install the sunshades. To do this,
first remove the T-top with the sunshade installed
and place it upside down on a table or bench.
Take care not to scratch the glass.
5. Pull the sunshade back a little and remove the
backing paper from the Velcro buttons. Push the
sunshade back into place, sticking the Velcro to
the glass.
6. Install the T-top, close the latch and lock
the T-top. Repeat the previous steps for the
passenger’s-side sunshade.
You can store the sunshades two different ways:
D When the T-tops are in use, store the sunshades
in their storage area in the rear of the vehicle.
Make sure the cargo cover is in its closed,
upright position.
D When you have the T-tops off and in their storage
slots, store the sunshades on the T-tops, in their
installed position.
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Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN.
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of your convertible top.
3. Lower both of the sun visors.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
Don’t leave your convertible out with the top
down for any long periods of time. The sun and
the rain can damage your seat material and other
things inside your vehicle.
1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface.
Set the parking brake firmly. Shift an automatic
transmission into PARK (P) or a manual
transmission into REVERSE (R).
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NOTICE:
Raising or lowering the top while the vehicle
is in motion can cause damage to the top or
top mechanism.
NOTICE:
Don’t lower the top if it is damp or wet. When
the top is down, trapped water can cause stains,
mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle.
Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it.
NOTICE:
It is not recommended to lower the top if your
vehicle is out in cold weather (0_F /-18_C or lower),
or you may damage top components.
NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in the
way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top on items in the storage area will
cause the convertible top back glass to break.
4. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing
on the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down
on the larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook
on the latch that attaches into the hole at the
windshield releases.
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5. The switch is located on
the console in front of
the gearshift lever.
Installing the Boot Cover
After lowering the convertible top, you may want to
install the boot cover. The three-piece boot cover is
stored in a bag in the hatch area.
1. Flip the two convertible top latches to the
closed position.
2. Open the hatch and remove the two side covers
and middle section from the storage bag.
Make sure nothing or anyone is on or around the top.
Push and hold the down arrow on the lower part of the
convertible TOP switch.
The top will automatically lower into the storage area.
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3. Install the two side covers by inserting the tab into the
front seatbelt cover. Lower the covers onto the vehicle.
4. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding the
tabs into the slots on the right side cover. Lower the
cover and insert the latch.
5. Close the hatch.
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Removing the Boot Cover
1. Open the hatch.
3. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover
by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of
their slots.
2. Remove the middle piece of the cover by pushing in
on the latch and lifting up on the cover.
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Raising Your Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake
firmly. If you have an automatic transmission, shift
into PARK (P). If you have a manual transmission,
shift into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN
(or RAP must be active).
3. Lower both sun visors and lower both windows at
least 3 inches (8 cm). If the boot cover is in place,
it must be removed first.
NOTICE:
4. Store each piece of the cover in its separate
compartment according to the graphic printed
inside of the storage bag. Store the bag in the
hatch and close the hatch.
Raising or lowering the top while the vehicle is
in motion can cause serious damage to the top
to top mechanism.
5. Unlock the two convertible top latches.
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4. Push and hold the up
arrow on the top part
of the convertible
TOP switch.
5. Pull down on the latches and align the top so the pins
are aligned with the holes in the windshield header.
Push forward on the larger part of the latch until it
clicks. Do not force the latch. If it is hard to lock,
the top is not properly aligned.
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NOTICE:
The convertible top may be tight when pushing
forward on the latch when your vehicle is new,
but it will loosen up with time. Make sure that
the hooks are properly aligned before using any
kind of force.
If your vehicle has a power loss, such as a dead battery,
you can still raise or lower the top manually by turning
the valve in the driver’s side of the trunk area.
1. Open the hatch and find the tab located along the
driver’s side trim panel.
2. Lift up the tab and turn the valve clockwise to
release the hydraulic pressure.
3. Make sure the ignition key is in LOCK.
You can now raise or lower your top manually. Be sure
to close the valve after installing your top so you can
raise or lower it electrically later.
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The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
2-82
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Fog Lamp Switch
K. Convertible Top Switch (If Equipped)
B. Exterior Lamp Control
L. Traction Control System Switch (Option)
C. Air Vents
M. Ashtray
D. Instrument Panel Cluster
N. Shift Lever (Automatic Transmission Shown)
E. Horn
O. Cupholders
F. Audio System
P. Front Console
G. Glove Box
Q. Parking Brake Lever
H. Remote Hatch Release
R. Cigarette Lighter
I. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
S. Accessory Power Outlet
J. Rear Window Defogger Button
T. Comfort Controls
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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, your engine’s rpms, about how much fuel you have left and many other things you’ll need to know
to drive safely and economically.
5.7L V8 Engine shown, 3800 V6 Engine similar (United States shown, Canada similar)
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Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or
kilometers (used in Canada).
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to
be set to the same reading the old one had. If it can’t be,
then it’s set at zero, and a label on the driver’s door must
show the old reading and when the new one was installed.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has
been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero.
To set the trip odometer to zero, press the TRIP
OIL/RESET knob on the instrument panel cluster.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in thousands
of revolutions per minute (rpm).
NOTICE:
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
in the red area, or engine damage may occur.
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Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
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When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly -- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 70 seconds.
If the driver’s belt is
already buckled, neither
the chime nor the light
will come on.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG or the air bag symbol.
The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the air bag
modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the
air bag system, see “Air Bag” in the Index.
United States
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
Canada
This light will come on when you start your vehicle, and
it will flash for a few seconds. Then the light should go
out. This means the system is ready.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN.
If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
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Voltmeter
You can read the battery
voltage on your voltmeter.
If it reads less than 11 volts
or more than 16 volts while
your engine is running, and
it stays there, you may
have a problem with the
electrical charging system.
If you must drive a short distance with the voltmeter
reading in a warning zone, turn off all your accessories,
including your air conditioning and audio system.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
Have it checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter
reading in a warning zone could drain your battery.
If you idle your engine for a while, the voltmeter reading
might move into the low voltage zone (indicated by
red dots). If the reading stays in the low voltage zone
while you are driving, you may have a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked. While the
voltmeter reads in the low voltage zone, your battery
may not be able to power certain electrical accessories,
like ABS. (If this happens, the ABS INOP light will
come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light”
in the Index.)
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United States
Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t
release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
United States
Canada
With the anti-lock brake system, the light will come on
when your engine is started and may stay on for several
seconds. That’s normal.
If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on
longer than normal after you’ve started your engine,
turn the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays
on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and
turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset
the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again
while you’re driving, your vehicle needs service. If the
light is on and the regular brake system warning light
isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have
anti-lock brakes.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
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Traction Control System Warning
Light (Option)
This warning light should
come on briefly as you start
the engine. If the warning
light doesn’t come on then,
have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there’s
a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you’re driving, there
may be a problem with your traction control system and
your vehicle may need service. When this warning light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
The traction control system warning light will come on
if you turn the system off by pressing the TCS button
located in front of the console, the warning light will
come on and stay on. To turn the system back on,
press the button again. The warning light should go off.
See “Traction Control System” in the Index for
more information.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
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Low Traction Light
When your anti-lock system
is adjusting brake pressure
to help avoid a braking skid,
this light will come on.
If you have the traction control system, this light will
also come on when the system is limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal. Slippery road conditions may exist if the
low traction light comes on, so adjust your driving
accordingly. The light will stay on for a few seconds
after the traction control system stops limiting
wheel spin.
The low traction light also comes on briefly when you
turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn’t come
on then, have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when
the anti-lock brake system or traction control system
is active.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
United States
Canada
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area,
your engine is approaching an overheating condition.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light in the United
States or Check Engine Light in Canada)
United States
Canada
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which
monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
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This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure
that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the
vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The
SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may prevent
more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
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NOTICE:
Modifications made to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake or fuel system of your vehicle
or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE
SOON or CHECK ENGINE light to come on.
Modifications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
This may also result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
D Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.
D Light On Steady -- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
D
D
D
D
Reducing vehicle speed.
Avoiding hard accelerations.
Avoiding steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light
Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
2-93
Are you low on fuel?
As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine
may not run as efficiently as designed since small
amounts of air are sucked into the fuel line causing a
misfire. The system can detect this. Adding fuel should
correct this condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap
properly. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index.
It will take a few driving trips to turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
See “Fuel” in the Index. Poor fuel quality will cause
your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up,
stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring,
hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration.
(These conditions may go away once the engine is
warmed up.) This will be detected by the system
and cause the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
2-94
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know in order to
help your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE
light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen
if you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems during
normal driving. This may take several days of routine
driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still
does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, see your dealer or qualified service center to
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
In certain situations such as long, extended idles on hot
days, it could read as low as 6 psi (40 kPa) and still be
considered normal. It may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings
above the red area show the normal operating range.
Readings in the red area tell you that the engine is low
on oil, or that you might have some other oil problem.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
Oil Pressure Gage
CAUTION:
United States
5.7L V8 Engine shown
3800 V6 Engine similar
Canada
5.7L V8 Engine shown
3800 V6 Engine similar
This gage tells you if there could be a problem with
your engine oil pressure. The gage shows the engine
oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) or
kPa (kilopascals) when the engine is running.
On the 3800 V6 engine, the oil pressure should be
20 to 120 psi (140 to 827 kPa). On the 5.7L V8 engine,
oil pressure should be 20 to 80 psi (140 to 550 kPa).
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered
by your warranty.
2-95
Low Oil Light
Oil Change Light
come on briefly while you
are starting your engine.
If the light doesn’t come on,
have it repaired.
If the light stays on after starting your engine, your
engine oil level may be too low. You may need to add
oil. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
NOTICE:
The oil level monitoring system only checks
the oil level when you are starting your engine.
It does not keep monitoring the level once the
engine is running. Also, the oil level check only
works when the engine has been turned off long
enough for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
2-96
This OIL CHANGE light
should come on briefly as
a bulb check when you
start the engine. If the OIL
CHANGE light doesn’t
come on, have it serviced.
If the OIL CHANGE light comes on and stays
on for 60 seconds after you start the engine,
have the oil changed.
For additional information, see “Engine Oil, When to
Change” in the Index. After changing the engine oil,
the system must be reset. See “How to Reset the Oil
Change Light” in the Index.
Service Vehicle Light
Hatch Ajar Light
come on in your instrument
panel cluster for a
three-second bulb check
when you first start your
vehicle. If the light doesn’t
come on in your instrument
panel cluster for a
three-second bulb check
when you first start your
vehicle. If the light doesn’t
This light will stay on steady if you have certain
non-emission related vehicle problems. These problems
may not be obvious and may affect vehicle performance
or durability. Consult a qualified dealer for necessary
repairs to maintain top vehicle performance.
This light will stay on steady if your hatch is open or
ajar and the ignition key is in RUN.
Fuel Gage
Check Gages Light
This warning light will
come on briefly when
you start the engine.
United States
If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving,
check your gages to see if they are in the warning areas.
Canada
Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have
left when the ignition is on.
2-97
When the indicator nears empty, you still have a little
fuel left, but you should get more soon.
Here are four things that some owners ask about.
All these things are normal and do not indicate that
anything is wrong with the fuel gage.
D At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
D It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage
reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but it
took more (or less) than half of the tank’s capacity
to fill it.
D The gage pointer may move while cornering, braking
or speeding up.
D The gage may not indicate empty when the ignition
is turned off.
Low Fuel Light
If your fuel is low, your vehicle’s CHECK GAGES
light on your instrument panel cluster will come on.
See “Check Gages Light” in the Index.
2-98
Reduced Engine Power Light
(V6 Engine Only)
The REDUCED ENG PWR
warning light should come
on in your instrument panel
cluster for a three-second
bulb check when you first
start your vehicle.
If the light doesn’t come on, have it serviced.
If the REDUCED ENG PWR warning light comes on,
a noticeable reduction in the vehicle’s performance may
occur. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed
while the REDUCED ENG PWR light is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
warning light stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
an authorized Pontiac dealer as soon as possible for
diagnosis and repair.
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle.
Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3-2
3-3
3-3
3-4
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-6
3-6
Comfort Controls
Cooling
Heating
Defogging and Defrosting
Rear Window Defogger
Ventilation System
Audio Systems
Setting the Clock
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
and Equalizer
3-10
3-13
3-16
3-17
3-17
3-18
3-18
3-18
Trunk Mounted CD Changer (Option)
Theft-Deterrent Feature
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
Understanding Radio Reception
Tips About Your Audio System
Care of Your Compact Discs
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
Power Antenna Mast Care
3-
3-1
Comfort Controls
Temperature Knob
Turn the center knob to change the temperature of the
air flowing from the system. Turn it toward the red
(clockwise) for warmer air and toward the blue
(counterclockwise) for cooler air.
Mode Knob
OFF: In this setting the system is off.
With this system, you can control the heating,
air conditioning and ventilation in your vehicle.
Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation
system described later in this section.
Fan Knob
Use the knob on the left of the control panel to select
the force of air you want. Turn the knob clockwise to
increase fan speed and counterclockwise to decrease
fan speed.
3-2
MAX (Maximum): This setting provides maximum
cooling or quick cool-down on very hot days. It
recirculates most of the air inside your vehicle. If it is
used for long periods of time the air may become dry.
This setting directs air through the upper air vents.
A/C (Air Conditioning): Use A/C for normal cooling
on hot days. This setting cools outside air and directs it
through the upper air vents.
The air conditioner compressor operates in MAX, A/C,
bi-level, blend and defrost when the outside temperature
is above freezing. When the air conditioner is on,
you may sometimes notice slight changes in your
vehicle’s engine speed and power due to the operation
of the compressor.
(Bi-Level): This setting directs air through the
upper air vents and the heater ducts.
(Vent): This setting directs air through the upper
air vents.
(Heater): This setting directs most of the air
through the heater ducts and some of the air through
the windshield defroster vents.
(Blend): This setting directs air through the
windshield defroster vents and the heater ducts.
(Defrost): This setting directs most of the air
through the windshield defroster vents and some of
the air through the heater ducts.
Cooling
The air conditioner works best if you keep your
windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows
just long enough for the hot air to escape.
1. Turn the air knob to A/C for normal cooling.
For faster cooling, turn the knob to MAX.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it.
1. Turn the mode knob to the heater symbol.
2. Turn the fan knob to the desired speed.
3. Turn the temperature knob to a comfortable setting.
During initial start-up only, if your vehicle is equipped
with an engine coolant heater, you can use it in cold
weather (around +20_F/-8_C or lower) to improve
heater performance on initial start up. See “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
Bi-Level
You may want to use bi-level on cool, but sunny days.
This setting directs cooler air toward your body and
warmer air toward your feet.
1. Turn the air knob to the bi-level symbol.
3-3
Defogging and Defrosting
1. Turn the air knob to the defrost symbol.
2. Turn the temperature knob to the desired setting.
The side window defogging works equally as well in the
heater, blend and defrost modes.
Rear Window Defogger
(Defogger): Press the button with the defogger
symbol to turn on the rear window warming grid.
An indicator light will come on to remind you that the
defogger is on. The defogger will turn off automatically
after about 10 minutes of use. If you turn it on again,
the defogger will operate for about five minutes only.
You can turn the defogger off by pressing the button
again. The indicator light will go off when the system is
turned off.
3-4
NOTICE:
Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle license
or a decal across the defogger grid on the rear window.
Ventilation System
For mild outside temperature when little heating or
cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air
through your vehicle.
1. Turn the air knob to the vent symbol.
Ventilation Tips
D Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater
and defroster will work far better, reducing the
chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
D When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
Adjust the direction of airflow by moving the vents.
Your vehicle’s flow-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the fan is running.
fan knob clockwise for a few moments before
driving off. This helps clear the intake ducts of snow
and moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the
inside of your windows.
D Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.
3-5
Audio Systems
Your audio system has been designed to operate easily
and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the
most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it
first. Find out what your audio system can do and how
to operate all of its controls to be sure you’re getting the
most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
and Equalizer
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your audio
system even after the ignition is turned off. See
“Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” in the Index.
Setting the Clock
Press and hold HR or MIN for two seconds. Then press
and hold HR until the correct hour appears. AM or PM
will appear on the display. Press and hold MIN until the
correct minute appears. The clock may be set with the
ignition on or off.
3-6
Standard radio --- Monsoon not shown
If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon audio
system (not shown), included are 8 (convertibles only)
or 10 speakers and an eight channel amplifier. See your
dealer for details.
Playing the Radio
Setting Preset Stations
POWER: Push this knob to turn the system on and off.
The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to
your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations
(six AM, six FM1 and six FM2) by performing the
following steps:
VOL (Volume): Turn the knob clockwise to increase
volume. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume.
RECALL: Press this button to display the station being
played or to display the clock. Pressing this button with
the ignition off will display the clock.
1. Turn the radio on.
Finding a Station
3. Tune in the desired station.
AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1
and FM2. The display shows your selection.
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons
until SET appears on the display. Whenever you
press that numbered pushbutton, the station you
set will return.
TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to
choose radio stations. Press the knob back into its stored
position when you’re not using it.
Y SEEK B: Press the up or down arrow to go to the
next or previous station and stay there.
2. Press AM/FM to select the band.
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
Equalizer: A seven-band equalizer is part of your audio
system. Slide the levers up to boost or down to reduce
frequency range.
3-7
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends.
Turn it to move the sound to the left or right speakers.
The middle position balances the sound between
the speakers.
FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to
move the sound to the front or rear speakers. The middle
position balances the sound between the speakers.
Press these knobs back into their stored positions when
you’re not using them.
Playing a Compact Disc
Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up.
The player will pull it in. The compact disc symbol will
appear on the display. If the ignition and the radio are
on, the disc will begin playing. CD will appear on the
display next to the compact disc symbol. If you want
to insert a disc when the ignition is off, first press the
EJECT button.
The integral CD player can play the smaller 8 cm single
discs. Full-size compact discs and the smaller discs are
loaded in the same manner.
If an error appears on the display, see “Compact Disc
Messages” later in this section.
3-8
1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton or the
SEEK down arrow to go to the start of the current track
if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold the
pushbutton or press it more than once, the player will
continue moving back through the disc.
2 NEXT: Press this pushbutton or the SEEK up arrow
to go to the start of the next track. If you hold the
pushbutton or press it more than once, the player will
continue moving forward through the disc.
3 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the
tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. The
display will show RDM. Press RDM again to turn off
random play.
5 REV (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to
quickly reverse within a track. You will hear sound at a
reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time.
6 FWD (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to
quickly advance forward within a track. You will hear
sound at a reduced volume. The display will show
elapsed time.
RECALL: Press this button to see what track is
currently playing. Press it again within five seconds to
see how long the track has been playing. When a new
track starts to play, the track number will also appear.
Press it a third time and the time of day will
be displayed.
AM/FM: Press this button to listen to the radio
when a disc is playing. The disc will stop but remain in
the player.
CD/PLAY: Press this button to play a CD when
listening to the radio.
EJECT: Press this button to stop a CD when
it is playing or to remove a CD when it is not playing.
The EJECT button will work with the radio off.
Compact Disc Messages
If an E and a number appears on the radio display or
if the disc comes out, it could be for one of the
following reasons:
D
D
D
D
D
You’re driving on a very rough road.
It’s very hot.
The disc is upside down.
It is dirty, scratched or wet.
The air is very humid. (If so, wait about an hour
and try again.)
D If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other
reason, try a known good CD.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be
corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an
error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer
when reporting the problem.
3-9
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer (Option)
With the optional compact disc changer, you can play
up to 12 discs continuously. Normal size discs may be
played using the trays supplied in the magazine.
The small discs (8 cm) can be played only with specially
designed trays.
NOTICE:
Place large objects in the trunk appropriately
so that they will not come into contact with the
CD changer.
You must first load the magazine with discs before you
can play a compact disc. Each of the 12 trays holds one
disc. Press the button on the back of the magazine and
pull gently on one of the trays. Load the trays from
bottom to top, placing a disc on the tray label side down.
If you load a disc label side up, the disc will not play
and an error will occur. Gently push the tray back into
the magazine slot. Repeat this procedure for loading up
to 12 discs in the magazine.
3-10
Once you have loaded the discs in the magazine, slide
open the door of the compact disc (CD) changer. Push
the magazine into the changer in the direction of the
arrow marked on top of the magazine.
Close the door by sliding it all the way to the left. If the
door is left partially open, the changer will not operate
and an error will occur. When the door is closed, the
changer will begin checking for discs in the magazine.
This will continue for up to two minutes depending on
the number of discs loaded.
To eject the magazine from the player, slide the CD
changer door all the way open. The magazine will
automatically eject. Remember to keep the door closed
whenever possible to keep dirt and dust from getting
inside the changer.
3-11
Whenever a CD magazine with discs is loaded in the
changer, the compact disc symbol will appear on the
radio display. If the CD changer is checking the
magazine for CDs, the compact disc symbol will flash
on the display until the changer is ready to play.
When a CD begins playing, CD will appear in the
bottom left corner and a disc and track number will be
displayed. The disc numbers are listed on the front of
the magazine.
All of the CD functions are controlled by the radio
pushbuttons except for ejecting the magazine.
Playing a Compact Disc
If an error appears on the display, see “Compact Disc
Messages” later in this section.
The following pushbuttons are used for the
trunk-mounted CD changer.
1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go back to
the start of the current track if more than eight seconds
have played. Press this pushbutton again to go to the
previous track on the disc.
2 NEXT: Press this pushbutton to advance to the next
track on the disc.
3-12
3 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to play the
compact discs in random, rather than sequential order.
RDM will appear on the display. If you press SEEK
while in the random mode, discs and tracks will go to
the next random selection. Press this button again to turn
off the random feature and return to normal operation.
4: Press this pushbutton to select the next disc in
the magazine. If a CD cannot be played, its number
will be skipped when selecting discs while using
this pushbutton.
5 REV (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to
quickly reverse within a track. As the CD reverses,
elapsed time will be displayed to help you find the
correct passage.
6 FWD (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to
quickly advance within a track. As the CD advances,
elapsed time will be displayed to help you find the
correct passage.
RECALL: Press this button to see what track is
currently playing. Press it again within five seconds to
see how long the track has been playing. When a new
track starts to play, the track number will also appear.
Press it a third time and the time of day will be displayed.
Y SEEK B: Press the down arrow while playing a CD
to go back to the start of the current track if more than
eight seconds have played. If you press it again, the
changer will go to previous tracks. Press the up arrow
and it will go to the next track on the disc.
AM/FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when
playing a compact disc.
CD/PLAY: Press this button to play a CD if you have a
magazine loaded in the changer and the radio is playing.
You can also press this button to switch between a CD in
the compact disc player and a CD in the trunk-mounted
CD changer, if both are loaded.
Compact Disc Messages
If an E and a number appear on the display, an error has
occurred and the compact disc temporarily cannot play.
The CD changer will send an error message to the
receiver to indicate one of the following:
D
D
D
E30: Disc Label Side Up
E34: CD Changer Door Open
E35: CD Changer Cartridge Empty
If an error occurs other than one listed previously while
trying to play a CD in the compact disc player or changer,
the following conditions may have caused the error:
D
D
D
D
The road is too rough. The disc should play when the
road is smoother.
The disc is dirty, scratched or wet.
The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and
try again.
If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other
reason, try a known good CD.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be
corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an
error message, write it down and provide it to your
dealer when reporting the problem.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCKR is designed to discourage theft of your
radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio
functions whenever battery power is removed.
The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or
ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the
radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK is
activated, your radio will not operate if stolen.
3-13
When THEFTLOCK is activated, the radio will display
LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery
power is removed. If your battery loses power for any
reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code
before it will operate.
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature
5. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display.
6. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree
with your code.
7. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree
with your code.
The instructions which follow explain how to enter your
secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. It is
recommended that you read through all nine steps
before starting the procedure.
8. Press AM/FM after you have confirmed that the
code matches the secret code you have written down.
The display will show REP to let you know that you
need to repeat Steps 5 through 7 to confirm your
secret code.
If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between
any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and
you must start the procedure over at Step 4.
9. Press AM/FM and this time the display will show
SEC to let you know that your radio is secure.
1. Write down any three or four-digit number from
000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from
the vehicle.
3. Turn the radio off.
4. Press the 1 and 4 pushbuttons at the same time. Hold
them down until --- shows on the display. Next you
will use the secret code number which you have
written down.
3-14
With the ignition off, the THEFTLOCK LED indicator
will flash, indicating a secured radio.
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a
Power Loss
Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than
15 seconds between steps:
1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display.
with your code.
with your code.
The display will show SEC, indicating the radio is
now operable and secure.
If you enter the wrong code eight times, INOP will
appear on the display. You will have to wait an hour
with the ignition on before you can try again. When
you try again, you will only have three more chances
(eight tries per chance) to enter the correct code before
INOP appears.
If you lose or forget your code, contact your dealer.
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature
Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than
15 seconds between steps:
with your code.
with your code.
The display will show ---, indicating that the radio is
no longer secured.
If the code entered is incorrect, SEC will appear on the
display. The radio will remain secured until the correct
code is entered.
When battery power is removed and later applied to a
secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and LOC will
appear on the display.
To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the
Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier
in this section.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press the 1 and 4 pushbuttons at the same time.
Hold them down until SEC shows on the display.
3-15
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain
radio and compact disc functions using the buttons on
your steering wheel.
PRESET: Press this button to hear the radio stations
that are set on your pushbuttons. The radio will go to a
preset station, play for a few seconds, then go to the next
station. Press this button again to stop scanning the
preset stations. If it is pressed while playing a CD in the
radio head, the CD random feature can be turned on or
off. If it is played while in the CD changer mode, the
player will index to the next disc.
AM FM: Press this button to select AM, FM1 or FM2.
If a compact disc is playing, it will stop and the radio
will play. If this button is pressed with a CD in the CD
changer, the disc will go to the next selection.
Y VOLUME B: Press the up or down arrow to increase
or decrease volume.
YSEEKB: Press the up or down arrow to tune to the
next or previous radio station. If a compact disc is
playing, the CD will advance with the up arrow and
reverse with the down arrow.
3-16
PLAY: Press this button to switch between listening to
the radio and playing a compact disc.
MUTE: Press this button to silence the system. Press it
again, or any other radio button, to turn mute off.
Understanding Radio Reception
To help avoid hearing loss or damage do the following:
AM
D Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.
D Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range, however, can
cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick
up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try
reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals
will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing
the sound to come and go.
Tips About Your Audio System
Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable
until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher
volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud
and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by
adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe
sound level before your hearing adapts to it.
and clearly.
NOTICE:
Before you add any sound equipment to your
vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone or two-way radio -- be sure you can
add what you want. If you can, it’s very
important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of
your vehicle’s engine, Delphi Electronics radio
or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been
added improperly.
So, before adding sound equipment, check with
your dealer and be sure to check federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units.
3-17
Care of Your Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a
clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the side without writing when
handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges
or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
5. Make the antenna go up and down by turning the
radio or ignition off and on.
6. Repeat if necessary.
NOTICE:
Don’t lubricate the power antenna. Lubrication
could damage it.
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to
the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with
lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.
Power Antenna Mast Care
Your power antenna will look its best and work well if
it’s cleaned from time to time. To clean the antenna
mast, do the following:
1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna.
2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or
equivalent solvent.
3. Wipe the cloth over the mast sections, removing
any dirt.
4. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
3-18
NOTICE:
Before entering an automatic car wash, turn off
your radio to make the power antenna go down.
This will prevent the mast from possibly getting
damaged. If the antenna does not go down when
you turn the radio off, it may be damaged or need
to be cleaned. In either case, lower the antenna by
hand by carefully pressing the antenna down.
If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can
easily replace it. See your dealer for a replacement kit
and follow the instructions in the kit.
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also
included many other useful tips on driving.
4-2
4-3
4-6
4-6
4-9
4-11
4-13
4-13
4-15
4-16
Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
Traction Control System (Option)
Steering
Off-Road Recovery
Passing
Loss of Control
Driving at Night
4-18
4-21
4-22
4-23
4-24
4-24
4-26
4-30
4-30
4-32
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
City Driving
Freeway Driving
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Highway Hypnosis
Hill and Mountain Roads
Winter Driving
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer
4-
4-1
Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.”
On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means
“always expect the unexpected.”
Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to
be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do. Be ready for their mistakes.
Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable
of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough
following distance. It’s the best defensive driving
maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never
know when the vehicle in front of you is going to
brake or turn suddenly.
Defensive Driving
The best advice anyone can give about driving is:
Drive defensively.
Please start with a very important safety device in your
vehicle: Buckle up. See “Safety Belts” in the Index.
4-2
Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate
on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the
driving task -- such as concentrating on a cellular
telephone call, reading, or reaching for something
on the floor -- makes proper defensive driving more
difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting
injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or
pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself.
These simple defensive driving techniques could save
your life.
Drunken Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to
the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims
every year.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to
drive a vehicle:
D
D
D
D
Judgment
Muscular Coordination
Vision
Attentiveness.
Police records show that almost half of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving. In recent years, about 16,000 annual motor
vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use
of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured.
Many adults -- by some estimates, nearly half the
adult population -- choose never to drink alcohol, so
they never drive after drinking. For persons under 21,
it’s against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol.
There are good medical, psychological and
developmental reasons for these laws.
The obvious way to solve the leading highway safety
problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then
drive. But what if people do? How much is “too much”
if the driver plans to drive? It’s a lot less than many might
think. Although it depends on each person and situation,
here is some general information on the problem.
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone
who is drinking depends upon four things:
D The amount of alcohol consumed
D The drinker’s body weight
D The amount of food that is consumed before and
during drinking
D The length of time it has taken the drinker to
consume the alcohol.
4-3
According to the American Medical Association,
a 180-lb. (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce
(355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a
BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the
same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses
of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces
(45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.
It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example,
if the same person drank three double martinis
(3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour,
the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent.
A person who consumes food just before or during
drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have
a lower relative percentage of body water than men.
Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a
woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a
man of her same body weight when each has the same
number of drinks.
The law in an increasing number of U.S. states, and
throughout Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent.
In some other countries, the limit is even lower.
For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France and
Germany. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in
the United States is 0.04 percent.
The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to
six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen,
it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks,
and how quickly the person drinks them.
4-4
But the ability to drive is affected well below a
BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the
driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC
approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are
worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels
above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance
of being in a collision increases sharply for drivers who
have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a
BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance
of having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent,
the chance of this driver having a collision is 12 times
greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is
25 times greater!
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol
in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold
showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the
right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to
take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street?
A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able
to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
There’s something else about drinking and driving that
many people don’t know. Medical research shows that
alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries
worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord or
heart. This means that when anyone who has been
drinking -- driver or passenger -- is in a crash, that
person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled
is higher than if the person had not been drinking.
CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness and
judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You can have a serious -- or
even fatal -- collision if you drive after drinking.
Please don’t drink and drive or ride with a driver
who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if
you’re with a group, designate a driver who will
not drink.
4-5
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work
at the places where the tires meet the road.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up
your foot and do it. That’s reaction time.
Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second.
But that’s only an average. It might be less with one
driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination
and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and
frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle
moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m).
That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between your vehicle and others
is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or
gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the
vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s
easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and
road can provide. That means you can lose control of your
vehicle. Also see “Traction Control System” in the Index.
4-6
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake
normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your
engine stops, you will still have some power brake
assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the
power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop
and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to
drive away, your anti-lock brake system will check
itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise while this test is going on, and you may even
notice that your brake pedal moves or pulses a little.
This is normal.
United States
Canada
If there’s a problem with the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will stay on. See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light” in the Index.
4-7
The anti-lock system can change the brake
pressure faster than any driver could. The computer
is programmed to make the most of available tire and
road conditions. This can help you steer around the
obstacle while braking hard.
Let’s say the road is wet and you’re driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you.
You slam on the brakes and continue braking.
Here’s what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the brakes at each
wheel (with V8 engine) or at each front wheel and at
both rear wheels (with V6 engine).
4-8
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel a
slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but
this is normal.
When your anti-lock system
is adjusting brake pressure
to help avoid a braking skid,
this light will come on.
See “Low Traction Light”
in the Index.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
Traction Control System (Option)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system reduces engine power (and works the rear
brakes on V8 engine vehicles) to limit wheel spin.
This light will come on
when your traction control
system is limiting wheel
spin. See “Low Traction
Light” in the Index. You
may feel or hear the system
working, but this is normal.
The traction control system may operate on dry roads
under some conditions, and you may notice a reduction
in acceleration when this happens. This is normal and
doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle.
Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration
in a turn, or an abrupt upshift or downshift.
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
4-9
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control
system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you
to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
See “Cruise Control” in the Index.
To turn the system off, press
the TCS button located at
the front of the console.
When the system is on,
this warning light will
come on to let you know if
there’s a problem with your
traction control system. See
“Traction Control System
Warning Light” in the Index.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to.
You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever
gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle
is required. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” in the Index.
4-10
The light on the button will go off, and the traction
control system warning light will come on and stay on.
If the traction control system is limiting wheel spin
when you press the button, the light on the button will
go off and the warning light will come on -- but the
system won’t turn off right away. It will wait until
there’s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The light on the button
should come on, and the traction control system
warning light should go off.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer
but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you
suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and
acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control. Refer to
“Traction Control” in the Index.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want
it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through
the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
4-11
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly
pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from
between parked cars and stops right in front of you.
You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you
can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t
room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering
around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies
like these. First apply your brakes. See “Braking in
Emergencies” earlier in this section. It is better to
remove as much speed as you can from a possible
collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left
or right depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly,
and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-12
Off-Road Recovery
Passing
You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving.
The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a
two-lane highway waits for just the right moment,
accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes
back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane
highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the
passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming
traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error
in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger
can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the
worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn
until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.
Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down
the roadway.
So here are some tips for passing:
D “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides
and to crossroads for situations that might affect
your passing patterns. If you have any doubt
whatsoever about making a successful pass,
wait for a better time.
D Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines.
If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a
turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken
center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass
(providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid
line on your side of the lane or a double solid line,
even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.
4-13
D Do not get too close to the vehicle you want
to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity.
For one thing, following too closely reduces your
area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger
vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the
vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back
a reasonable distance.
D When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,
start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and
don’t get too close. Time your move so you will be
increasing speed as the time comes to move into the
other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have
a “running start” that more than makes up for the
distance you would lose by dropping back. And if
something happens to cause you to cancel your pass,
you need only slow down and drop back again and
wait for another opportunity.
D If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait
your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to
pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle.
Remember to glance over your shoulder and check
the blind spot.
4-14
D Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and
start your left lane change signal before moving out
of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough
ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your
inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal
and move back into the right lane. (Remember that
your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you
just passed may seem to be farther away from you
than it really is.)
D Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time
on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the
next vehicle.
D Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.
Even though the brake lamps are not flashing,
it may be slowing down or starting to turn.
D If you’re being passed, make it easy for the
following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps
you can ease a little to the right.
Loss of Control
Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens
when the three control systems (brakes, steering and
acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and
constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive
drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited
to existing conditions, and by not “overdriving” those
conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid,
too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If you have the traction control system, remember:
It helps avoid only the acceleration skid.
If you do not have traction control, or if the system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by
easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety,
you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on
slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be
longer and vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking
(including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear).
Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues -- such as enough water, ice or packed snow
on the road to make a “mirrored surface” -- and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-15
Driving at Night
Here are some tips on night driving.
D Drive defensively.
D Don’t drink and drive.
D Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
D Since you can’t see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you
and other vehicles.
D Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.
Your headlamps can light up only so much
road ahead.
D In remote areas, watch for animals.
D If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired -- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
4-16
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as
we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old
driver may require at least twice as much light to see the
same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your night
vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes
will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re
driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut
down on glare from headlamps, but they also make a lot
of things invisible.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even
several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark.
When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver
who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with
misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid staring
directly into the approaching headlamps.
Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean -- inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your
eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes
be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night
blindness -- the inability to see in dim light -- and
aren’t even aware of it.
4-17
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank
filled with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start
to separate from the inserts.
4-18
CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work
as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to
one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or
a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until
your brakes work normally.
Hydroplaning
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re
going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,
it has little or no contact with the road.
4-19
Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your
tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or
more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on
the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone
poles or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the
water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds.
There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
NOTICE:
If you drive too quickly through deep puddles
or standing water, water can come in through
your engine’s air intake and badly damage your
engine. Never drive through water that is slightly
lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If you
can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
If you try to drive through flowing water, as you
might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can
be carried away. As little as six inches of flowing
water can carry away a smaller vehicle. If this
happens, you and other vehicle occupants could
drown. Don’t ignore police warning signs, and
otherwise be very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
D Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you pass
another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room
ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted
by road spray.
D Have good tires with proper tread depth. See “Tires”
in the Index.
4-20
City Driving
Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:
D Know the best way to get to where you are
going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an
unknown part of the city just as you would for a
cross-country trip.
D Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most
large cities. You’ll save time and energy. See the
next part, “Freeway Driving.”
D Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light
is there because the corner is busy enough to need it.
When a light turns green, and just before you start
to move, check both ways for vehicles that have
not cleared the intersection or may be running the
red light.
One of the biggest problems with city streets is the
amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for
what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to
traffic signals.
4-21
Freeway Driving
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you
drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to
check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to
blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to
the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check
your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as
necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to
the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower.
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your
“blind” spot.
Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways,
expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest
of all roads. But they have their own special rules.
The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep
up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same
speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or
too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the
left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
4-22
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
D Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work -- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealerships all across North America.
They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
D Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
D Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
D Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
D Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated
to the recommended pressure?
D Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
D Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-23
Highway Hypnosis
Hill and Mountain Roads
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let
it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the
road in less than a second, and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
D Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
D Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
D If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
4-24
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat or rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
D Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
D Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
CAUTION:
If you don’t shift down, your brakes could get
so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would
then have poor braking or even none going
down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to
let your engine assist your brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to
do all the work of slowing down. They could get so
hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have your engine running
and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill.
D Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down
to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
and transmission, and you can climb the hill better.
D Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let
you stay in your own lane.
D As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be
something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident.
D You may see highway signs on mountains that warn
of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing
or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding
roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.
4-25
Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
D Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
D You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your vehicle.
4-26
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a
couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will
be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the
road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the
road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a
lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be very careful.
What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about
freezing (32_F; 0_C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow -- drive with caution.
If you have traction control, keep the system on. It will
improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a
slippery road. Even though your vehicle has a traction
control system, you’ll want to slow down and adjust
your driving to the road conditions. See “Traction
Control System” in the Index.
If you don’t have the traction control system, accelerate
gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you
accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish
the surface under the tires even more.
4-27
Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll
want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry
pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index.
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard
D Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.
D Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine until
you hit a spot that’s covered with ice. On an otherwise
clear road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas
where the sun can’t reach: around clumps of trees,
behind buildings or under bridges. Sometimes the
surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy
when the surrounding roads are clear. If you see a
patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it.
Try not to brake while you’re actually on the ice, and
avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a
serious situation. You should probably stay with your
vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help
and you can hike through the snow. Here are some
things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your
passengers safe:
D Turn on your hazard flashers.
4-28
D Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you’ve been stopped by the snow.
D Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body
insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor
mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or
tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn’t collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
4-29
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Loading Your Vehicle
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle -- such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing your
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly
towing” (towing your vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a device known as
a “dolly”).
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with any of
its wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed,
see “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
4-30
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label
found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out. Don’t carry more than 100 lbs. (45 kg) in your
rear area.
CAUTION:
The other label is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front
or rear axle.
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life
of your vehicle.
4-31
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages or anything else -- they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in
a crash.
D Put things in the rear area of your vehicle.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
D Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.
D Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
D When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
D Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
4-32
Towing a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy,
the brakes may not work well -- or even at all.
You and your passengers could be seriously
injured. You may also damage your vehicle; the
resulting repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Pull a trailer only if you have followed
all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the
vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer”
that appears later in this section. But trailering is
different than just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, durability and
fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra
heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
D There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.
D Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
D Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
D Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
D Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed
for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h),
to save wear on your vehicle’s parts.
4-33
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
D the weight of the trailer,
D the weight of the trailer tongue
D and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Weight of the Trailer
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or gross
weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must
add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle
will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index for more information about your
vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
including the cargo, passengers and equipment.
But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig.
For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to
pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at:
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
4-34
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Tire-Loading Information label at the rear edge of
the driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW
limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the
trailer tongue.
Hitches
If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch or a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should
weigh 10-15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
D The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
D Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle. See “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index.
Dirt and water can, too.
4-35
Safety Chains
Driving with a Trailer
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly
as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must
be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock
brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake systems won’t work well,
or at all.
4-36
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good
deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that
hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
4-37
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
Driving On Grades
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel
will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash,
telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes
or stop.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
If you are towing a trailer and you have an automatic
transmission with overdrive, you may prefer to drive in
THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D)
or, as you need to, a lower gear. Or, if you have a
manual transmission with FIFTH (5) gear and you are
towing a trailer, it’s better not to use FIFTH (5) gear.
Just drive in FOURTH (4) or, as you need to, a lower
gear. If you have a manual transmission with SIXTH (6)
gear, drive in FIFTH (5) or, as you need to, a lower gear.
4-38
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transmission overheating.
Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with
a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to PARK (P), or REVERSE (R)
for a manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-39
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
D start your engine,
D shift into a gear, and
D release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid
(don’t overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belts,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you
find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea
to review this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.
4-40
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5-2
5-3
5-3
5-8
5-9
Hazard Warning Flashers
Other Warning Devices
Jump Starting
Towing Your Vehicle
Engine Overheating
5-12
5-22
5-22
5-33
5-34
Cooling System
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
Compact Spare Tire
If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
5-
5-1
Hazard Warning Flashers
Press the button in to make
the front and rear turn signal
lamps flash on and off.
Pull out on the collar to
turn the flashers off.
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
The hazard warning flasher button is located on the
steering column.
Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, or even if the key isn’t in.
When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals won’t work.
5-2
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to follow the steps below to do it safely.
CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
D They contain acid that can burn you.
D They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
D They contain enough electricity to burn you.
If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or
all of these things can hurt you.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be
The ACDelcoR battery in your vehicle has a
built-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or
jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won’t work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
5-3
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or in the accessory power outlet. Turn off the
radio and all lamps that aren’t needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it
could save your radio!
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved
in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (-) terminal locations on
each battery. See “Engine Compartment Overview”
in the Index for more information on location.
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
5-4
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t
need to add water to the ACDelcoR battery
installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a
battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take
care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged, too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal
if the vehicle has one. Negative (-) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Don’t connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you’ll
get a short that would damage the battery and maybe
other parts, too. And don’t connect the negative (-)
cable to the negative (-) terminal on the dead battery
because this can cause sparks.
5-5
6. Connect the red
positive (+) cable
to the positive (+)
terminal of the dead
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
7. Don’t let the other end
touch metal. Connect it
to the positive (+)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
5-6
8. Now connect the black
negative (-) cable to the
negative (-) terminal of
the good battery. Use a
remote negative (-)
terminal if the vehicle
has one.
Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next
step. The other end of the negative (-) cable doesn’t
go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted
metal engine part or to a remote negative (-) terminal
on the vehicle with the dead battery.
9. Connect the other end of
the negative (-) cable at
least 18 inches (45 cm)
away from the dead
battery, but not near
engine parts that move.
The electrical
connection is just as
good there, and the
chance of sparks getting
back to the battery is
much less.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine for a while.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery.
If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.
NOTICE:
Damage to your vehicle may result from electrical
shorting if jumper cables are removed incorrectly.
To prevent electrical shorting, take care that
the cables don’t touch each other or any other
metal. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
5-7
To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles,
do the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the
vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
other vehicle.
Jumper Cable Removal
A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part
B. Good Battery
C. Dead Battery
5-8
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service
if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed.
See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
instrument panel cluster. See “Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage” in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a significant loss in power
and engine performance. The low coolant light may
come on and the temperature gage will indicate an
overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. See “Engine Oil”
in the Index.
5-9
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire.
You or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle
until the engine is cool. See “Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode” in the Index.
5-10
NOTICE:
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. See “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
D
D
D
D
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving -- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or
THIRD (3) for automatic transmissions.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you
can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about
10 minutes. If the warning doesn’t come back on,
you can drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park
your vehicle right away.
If there’s still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you’re parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode” listed previously
in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-11
Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down.
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Coolant Recovery Tank
When it is cool, remove the coolant recovery tank cap
and look at the dipstick. When the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
5-12
If it isn’t, you may have a leak at the pressure cap or in
the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or
somewhere else in the cooling system.
CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on,
check to see if the electric engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they aren’t, your vehicle needs service.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX-COOLR (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner -- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX-COOLR is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
5-13
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
NOTICE:
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR engine
coolant at the coolant recovery tank. See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index for more information.
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOLR coolant.
5-14
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
come out at high speed. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including the radiator
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system
and radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the
FULL COLD mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly.
They are under pressure, and if you turn the
radiator pressure cap -- even a little -- they can
5-15
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(3800 V6 Engine Only)
NOTICE:
Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure could cause your
engine to overheat and be severely damaged.
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning
the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
5-16
CAUTION:
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOLR
coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck.
See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more
information about the proper coolant mixture.
If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air
bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close the
valve after the radiator is filled.
3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed valve.
There is one bleed valve. It is located on the
thermostat housing.
5-17
5. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL
COLD mark.
6. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank,
but leave the radiator pressure cap off.
5-18
7. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
8. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture
through the filler neck until the level reaches the
base of the filler neck.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(V8 Engine Only)
9. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning
the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
5-19
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
CAUTION:
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
5-20
3. Fill with the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture.
4. Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the
filler neck.
5. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine
and compartment.
6. Start the engine and allow it to run in idle for
approximately four minutes. By this time, the
coolant level inside the radiator will be lower.
Add more of the proper mixture through the
filler neck until the level reaches the base of the
filler neck.
7. Shut the engine off and replace the pressure cap.
Be sure the arrows on the cap line up like this.
8. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the proper level.
5-21
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a
few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in
a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop -- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
5-22
CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find a level place to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission shift lever in
PARK (P), or shift a manual transmission
to FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move,
you can put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side of the
vehicle, at the opposite end.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you’ll need is located in the rear area
behind the trim panel on the passenger’s side.
1. First you must remove the cargo cover.
See “Cargo Cover” in the Index.
On convertible models, you must also remove
the trunk access panel. It’s at the upper back of
the trunk. Turn the two wing fasteners under the
trunk edge a quarter turn counterclockwise to remove
the panel.
The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
5-23
2. Find the plastic screw heads in the trim panel over
the spare tire. See “Compact Spare Tire” in the
Index for more information about the compact spare.
Turn the screw heads until the slots point front and
back to the unlock position. Gently lift the trim
panel’s front forward edge and remove the panel.
If you have speakers in the trim panel, you may have
to disconnect the wire from the speaker. The speaker
wire may be long enough to remove the trim panel
without disconnecting the wire.
5-24
3. To remove the jack and wheel wrench, loosen and
remove the bolt and remove the plastic cover.
4. Remove the wing nut and adapter and pull out the
compact spare tire. If your vehicle is a convertible,
you will also need to remove the taillamp wing nut
before removing the compact spare tire.
The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and
wheel wrench (B).
5-25
Your vehicle has alloy wheels.
1. First remove the decorative nut caps using the
wheel wrench. Each wheel may have one locknut
in place of the standard wheel nut. A special wheel
lock key (removal tool) and instructions are located
in the glove box.
2. Attach the wheel lock key to the socket of
the wheel wrench.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire
3. Remove the locking wheel nut by
turning counterclockwise.
1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts.
Don’t remove them yet.
5-26
Place jack in notch (A).
2. Position the jack under the vehicle. There is a notch
in the vehicle’s rocker flange on the coupe model.
Raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch
nearest the flat tire.
On convertible models, place the jack in a
similar location.
5-27
CAUTION:
Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is
dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you
could be badly injured or killed. Never get under
a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.
CAUTION:
Stay away from moldings or fender flanges to avoid
damaging them. Put the compact spare tire near you.
5-28
Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly
positioned can damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal
injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack
lift head into the proper location before raising
the vehicle.
5. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces and
spare wheel.
CAUTION:
3. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough room for the compact
spare tire to fit underneath the wheel well.
4. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When you change a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places
where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an
emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel
to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire
brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or
dirt off.
5-29
CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you
do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could
fall off, causing a serious accident.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
6. Install the compact spare tire and put the wheel nuts
back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the
wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is
held against the hub.
5-30
8. Tighten the wheel nuts
firmly in a crisscross
sequence as shown.
Install the plastic nut
caps and tighten by
hand. Then, using
the wheel wrench,
tighten an additional
one-quarter turn.
NOTICE:
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose
and even come off. This could lead to an accident.
Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have
to replace them, be sure to get new GM original
equipment wheel nuts.
Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have
the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to
100 lb-ft (140 N·m).
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
Return the jack, wheel wrench and flat tire following the
storage instructions. When you reinstall the trim panel,
be sure to tuck it under the weatherstrip.
5-31
A. Knob
B. Trunk Access Panel (Convertible Only)
C. Jack
D. Cover
E. Bolt
F. Trim Panel
G. Wing Nut
H. Adapter
I. Compact Spare Tire
J. Full-Size Tire
K. Carpet Flap
L. Tire Storage Bolt
5-32
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated
when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on your vehicle,
you should stop as soon as possible and make sure
your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact
spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km),
so you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire
repaired or replaced where you want. Of course, it’s best
to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you
can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in
case you need it again.
NOTICE:
When the compact spare is installed, don’t take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with
guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on
the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel,
and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
Don’t use your compact spare on other vehicles.
And don’t mix your compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They won’t fit. Keep your spare
tire and its wheel together.
NOTICE:
Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Don’t use tire chains
on your compact spare.
5-33
If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
NOTICE:
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin
your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking”
can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must
use caution.
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
CAUTION:
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see “Tire Chains” in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
And, the transmission or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you’re
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
5-34
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn the system off.
See “Traction Control System” in the Index. Then shift
back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward
gear (or with a manual transmission, between FIRST (1)
or SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the
wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. By slowly
spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that may
free your vehicle. If that doesn’t get you out after a few
tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to
be towed out, see “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-5
6-8
6-8
6-12
6-18
6-20
6-24
6-26
6-27
6-28
6-31
6-33
6-34
6-38
6-39
Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid
Hydraulic Clutch
Rear Axle
Engine Coolant
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement
6-
6-46
6-55
6-56
6-58
6-58
6-59
6-60
6-61
6-62
6-63
6-64
6-65
6-65
6-66
6-72
6-72
6-73
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Care of Safety Belts
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Cleaning a Removeable Roof Panel
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
Underbody Maintenance
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
6-1
Service
Doing Your Own Service Work
Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to
be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for
all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and
GM-trained and supported service people.
If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll
want to use the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service your vehicle than this manual
can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service
and Owner Publications” in the Index.
We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, see “Servicing Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle” in the Index.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and
list the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. See “Maintenance Record” in the Index.
6-2
CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
D Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
D Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and
other fasteners. “English” and “metric”
fasteners can be easily confused. If you use
the wrong fasteners, parts can later break
or fall off. You could be hurt.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airflow around it. This may cause wind noise
and affect windshield washer performance. Check with
your dealer before adding equipment to the outside of
your vehicle.
Fuel
The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that identifies
your engine. You will find the VIN at the top left of the
instrument panel. See “Vehicle Identification Number”
in the Index.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3800 V6 engine (VIN Code K),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of
87 or higher. If the octane is less than 87, you may
get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it is bad
enough, it can damage your engine. A little pinging
noise when you accelerate or drive uphill is considered
normal. This does not indicate a problem exists or that
a higher-octane fuel is necessary.
If your vehicle has the 5.7L V8 engine (VIN Code G),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
of 91 or higher for best performance. You may also
use middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration
may be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87,
you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive.
If it is bad enough, it can damage your engine.
6-3
Gasoline Specifications
California Fuel
It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications
which were developed by the American Automobile
Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association for better
vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines
meeting these specifications could provide improved
driveability and emission control system performance
compared to other gasolines.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (see the underhood emission control label),
it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California
specifications. If this fuel is not available in states
adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may
turn on (see “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the
Index) and your vehicle may fail a smog-check test.
If this occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is caused
by the type of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by
your warranty.
In Canada, look for the
“Auto Makers’ Choice”
label on the pump.
Additives
Canada Only
6-4
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors
does not recommend the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark
plugs and the performance of the emission control
system may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
GM dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing your emission control system to work properly.
You should not have to add anything to your fuel.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available
in your area to contribute to clean air. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly
if they comply with the specifications described earlier.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in
the country where you’ll be driving.
Filling Your Tank
CAUTION:
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don’t use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your
fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber
parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under
your warranty.
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns
violently, and that can cause very bad injuries.
Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling
your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking
materials away from gasoline.
6-5
The fuel cap is located behind a hinged door on the
driver’s side of your vehicle.
6-6
While refueling, allow the fuel cap to hang by the tether.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it;
if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back
to the right.
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if
your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for
any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap
all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the
Outside of Your Vehicle” in the Index.
When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp
to light and may damage your fuel tank and
emissions system. See “Malfunction Indicator
Lamp” in the Index.
6-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
D Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.
D Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed
or on any surface other than the ground.
D Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.
D Don’t smoke while pumping gasoline.
6-8
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the handle
located inside the
vehicle below the
instrument panel on
the driver’s side.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on the hood
release located at the center of your hood.
3. Lift the hood.
6-9
Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine, you’ll see:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Engine Coolant Reservoir
Battery
Radiator Pressure Cap
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Dipstick (If Equipped)
6-10
F. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
G. Engine Cooling Fans
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Oil Dipstick
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Clutch Master Cylinder
Reservoir (If Equipped)
When you open the hood of the 5.7L V8 engine, you’ll see:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Engine Coolant Reservoir
Battery
Engine Oil Dipstick
Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
G. Engine Cooling Fans
H. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)
I.
J.
K.
L.
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Brake Fluid Reservoir
Clutch Master Cylinder
Reservoir (If Equipped)
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on. Then pull the hood down and close it firmly.
6-11
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL light
appears on the instrument
cluster, it means you need
to check your engine oil
level right away. For more
information, see “Low Oil
Light” in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop located
at the rear of the engine compartment. The handle is on
the driver’s side of the 3800 V6 engine compartment
and on the passenger’s side of the 5.7L V8 engine
compartment. See “Engine Compartment Overview”
in the Index for more information on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
6-12
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index.
NOTICE:
3800 V6 Engine
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
The oil fill cap is located at the rear of your engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index
for more information on location.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
5.7L V8 Engine
6-13
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the starburst symbol.
This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by
the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any
oil which does not carry this starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container.
If you have your oil
changed for you, be sure
the oil put into your engine
is American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
5.7L V8 Engine
6-14
As in the chart shown previously, if you have the
5.7L V8 engine, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle.
However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it’s going to
be 0_F (-18_C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.
As shown in the following chart, if you have the
3800 V6 engine, SAE 10W-30 is best for your vehicle.
However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going to be
colder than 60_F (16_C) before your next oil change.
When it’s very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30.
These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such
as SAE 20W-50.
3800 V6 Engine
6-15
NOTICE:
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System )
Use only engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage
at which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
GM GoodwrenchR oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20_F (-29_C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
6-16
t
When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A OIL CHANGE light will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next
two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you
are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. It is also important to check your oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Oil Change Light
What to Do with Used Oil
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to
change your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use.
Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it
can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
OIL CHANGE light being turned on, reset the system.
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long.
Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away
clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.
t
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine
turned off.
2. Press the TRIP/OIL RESET button located on the
instrument panel for 12 seconds. The OIL CHANGE
light will start to flash to confirm that the system is
reset. The reset is complete when the OIL CHANGE
light goes out.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it
by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you
have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
6-17
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
The engine air cleaner/filter is located at the front in
the center of the engine compartment. See “Engine
Compartment Overview” in the Index for more
information on location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
6-18
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can
cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you’re driving.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement
To remove the engine air cleaner/filter, do the following:
2. Lift the cover and remove the engine air cleaner/filter.
1. Unlatch the two clamps located on the front of
the filter.
3. Replace the filter. See “Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts” in the Index for the type of
filter to use.
6-19
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission
fluid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:
4. Close the cover without an overlap and latch the
clamps. (The clamps will not latch with an overlap.)
D In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher.
D In hilly or mountainous terrain.
D Uses such as high performance operation.
D When doing frequent trailer towing.
D Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter
every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
6-20
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult,
you may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Too little fluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading
if you check your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
D
D
D
D
When outside temperatures are above 90_F (32_C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180_F to 200_F
(82_C to 93_C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above
50_F (10_C). If it’s colder than 50_F (10_C), drive the
vehicle in DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine run
at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures are
50_F (10_C) or more. If it’s colder than 50_F (10_C),
you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid
level be low during this cold check, you must check the
fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot will
give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
6-21
Checking the Fluid Level
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
D With the parking brake applied, place the shift
lever in PARK (P).
D With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the
shift lever in PARK (P).
D Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
3800 V6 Dipstick
5.7L V8 Dipstick
The red transmission dipstick handle is located near
the back of the engine. See “Engine Compartment
Overview” in the Index for more information on location.
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and
wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
6-22
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a
reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for
a hot check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Don’t overfill.
NOTICE:
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross-hatched area, for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross-hatched area for a hot check.
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRONR-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRONR-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
D After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
How to Add Fluid
D When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
described under “How to Check.”
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
6-23
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine
oil is changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
6-24
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Too little fluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading
if you check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission
is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in
the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
Six-Speed Transmission shown
(Five-Speed Transmission similar)
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
6-25
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir
is filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding fluid
won’t correct a leak.
The clutch master cylinder reservoir is located at the
rear of the engine compartment on the driver’s side
of the vehicle.
See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for
more information on location.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid.
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
When to Check and What to Use
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper fluid should be added if the level is below
the plastic step on the reservoir. See the instructions
on the reservoir cap.
6-26
Rear Axle
What to Use
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Standard Differential
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it.
Use SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant
(GM Part No. 12378261) or equivalent meeting
GM Specification 9986115.
How to Check Lubricant
Limited-Slip Differential
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261)
or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115.
To completely refill after draining, add 4 ounces
(118 ml) of Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant
Additive (GM Part No. 1052358) or equivalent.
Then fill to the bottom of the filler plug hole with
the Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
6-27
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOLR engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOLR extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to
your radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOLR coolant will:
D
D
D
D
D
Give freezing protection down to -34_F (-37_C).
Give boiling protection up to 265_F (129_C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
6-28
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX-COOLR (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner -- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX-COOLR is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOLR coolant which won’t damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOLR coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
6-29
Checking Coolant
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine
and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding
liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn
the pressure cap -- even a little -- when the engine
and radiator are hot.
See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index
for information on location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine
is cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the coolant
recovery tank. The coolant level should be at COLD,
or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level
on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or a little higher.
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOLR
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but only
when your engine is cool. If the tank is very low or
empty, also add coolant to the radiator. See “Engine
Overheating” in the Index for information.
6-30
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
CAUTION:
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
see “Cooling System” in the Index.
The radiator pressure cap is located toward the front of
the engine compartment near the battery. See “Engine
Compartment Overview” in the Index for more
information on location.
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located toward
the rear of the engine,
on the driver’s side.
See “Engine Compartment
Overview” in the Index
for more information
on location.
6-31
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the
Index for reservoir location.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
D When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the H (hot) mark.
D When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be at the C (cold) mark.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level
up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing. See “Engine Compartment
Overview” in the Index for reservoir location.
NOTICE:
D When using concentrated washer fluid,
D
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer fluid symbol.
Add washer fluid until
the tank is full.
D
D
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it’s very cold.
This allows for expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
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Brakes
Brake Fluid
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should
have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t
work at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT-3
brake fluid. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in
the Index.
6-34
Checking Brake Fluid
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”
in this section.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above the plastic seam in the reservoir (A).
If it isn’t, have your brake system checked to see if there
is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the plastic seam (B),
near the base of the filler neck.
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What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in
the Index.
NOTICE:
D Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
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D
brake system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in your brake system can
damage brake system parts so badly that
they’ll have to be replaced. Don’t let
someone put in the wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving
(except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
When you have the front or rear brake pads replaced,
have the other brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.”
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Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then -- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
The parking brake system has separate brake linings that
do not self adjust for wear. If the parking brake lever
pulls up more than eighteen clicks, the parking brakes
need adjustment. See your dealer.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality GM brake parts.
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When you replace parts of your braking system -- for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in -- be sure you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no
longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance
between your front and rear brakes can change -- for the
worse. The braking performance you’ve come to expect
can change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelcoR battery. When it’s time for a new battery,
get one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
Bulb Replacement
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
For the proper type of replacement bulb, see “Replacement
Bulbs” in the Index.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section,
contact your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or others could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
6-39
Headlamps
Before replacing a headlamp bulb that does not light,
check to make sure that the wiring connector is securely
fastened to it.
See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index to check the
type of headlamp bulb you need to use before you
begin to replace the headlamp bulb. You must replace
a headlamp bulb with one that is exactly the same.
To replace a headlamp, do the following:
1. Open the headlamp door by turning the headlamps
on, then turning the switch back to the parking lamps
position. See “Headlamp Doors” in the Index for
more information.
2. Remove the bezel by removing the three main screws.
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3. Remove the headlamp plate that holds the bulb to
the housing by removing the two screws above and
the two screws below the bulb.
4. Pull out the bulb and disconnect the electrical connector.
5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
6-41
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
1. Remove the two screws in the stoplamp lens.
2. Gently pull the assembly out, turn the bulb
counterclockwise and remove it from the back
of the assembly.
6-42
Rear Lamps
To change any rear bulb, you have to remove the
entire housing.
1. Remove the trim panel from inside of the hatch
for the side on which you are replacing the bulb.
2. Pull the carpet back.
4. Pull the assembly out from the outside of the vehicle.
5. To remove a socket with a tab, press the tab and turn
the socket counterclockwise. To remove a socket
without a tab, turn the socket counterclockwise.
6. Pull out the bulb from the socket.
3. Remove the wing nuts.
6-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade
Check” in the Index for more information.
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts”
in the Index.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
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Wiper Blade Element Replacement
To replace the wiper blade element, follow these steps:
1. Locate the heel end of the wiper blade assembly that
has the two notches held by the wiper blade claw.
3. At the heel end of the wiper blade assembly, notched
end of blade element last, slide the blade element
into the blade claw sets. The plastic retainer caps
will be forced off as the element is fully inserted.
Make sure that all the claw sets are properly engaged
in the slots of the blade element.
4. Install the wiper blade assembly on the wiper arm.
For information on wiper blade replacement length and
type, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
2. Hold the wiper blade assembly with one hand
and pull the element gently with the other hand.
(Replacement blade elements have three plastic caps
which retain two metal strips. Do not remove these
caps before the element is installed.)
Never open your hood with the wiper arms in
the “service up position” (wiper arms pulled
away from the windshield) because the hood
will deflect the wiper arms into the windshield
and may cause the windshield to crack.
6-45
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
D Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
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D Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
D Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact -- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
D Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
See “Inflation -- Tire Pressure” in this section
for inflation pressure adjustment for higher
speed driving.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on
the rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold.
“Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
If you’ll be driving at high speeds (e.g., speeds of
100 mph (160 km/h) or higher), where it is legal,
set the cold inflation pressure to the maximum
inflation pressure shown on the tire sidewall, or to
38 psi (265 kPa), whichever is lower. See the example
below. When you end this high-speed driving, return to
the cold inflation pressure shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label.
Example:
You’ll find maximum load and inflation pressure
molded on the tire’s sidewall, in small letters, near the
rim flange. It will read something like this: Maximum
load 690 kg (1521 lbs.) @ 300 kPa (44 psi) Max. Press.
NOTICE:
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It’s not. If your tires
don’t have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:
D Too much flexing
D Too much heat
D Tire overloading
D Bad wear
D Bad handling
D Bad fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
D Unusual wear
D Bad handling
D Rough ride
D Needless damage from road hazards
For this example, you would set the inflation pressure
for high-speed driving at 38 psi (265 kPa).
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When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be
at 60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
See “When It’s Time for New Tires” and “Wheel
Replacement” later in this section for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation
is the most important. See “Scheduled Maintenance
Services” in the Index for scheduled rotation intervals.
If you don’t have P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS-C
tires or P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS tires,
use the rotation pattern shown above for your tires.
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Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts
are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in
the Index.
CAUTION:
If you have P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires
or P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS tires,
they must roll in a certain direction for the best overall
performance. The direction is shown by an arrow on the
sidewall. Because these tires are directional, they should
be rotated as shown here. These tires should only be
moved from front to rear and rear to front on the same
side of the vehicle.
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and
cause an accident. When you change a wheel,
remove any rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency,
you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this;
but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.
6-49
When It’s Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
D You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
D You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
D The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
D The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
D The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
6-50
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need,
look at the Tire-Loading Information label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service
on your vehicle. If your tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an “MS”
(for mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having
a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same
size, load range, speed rating and construction type
(bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
It’s all right to drive with your compact spare,
though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.
CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial-ply
tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
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Treadwear
Temperature -- A, B, C
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Traction -- AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA,
A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance. Warning: The traction
grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
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Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are
not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use
the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
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NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or
how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. If you have to replace a wheel,
use a new GM original equipment wheel.
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Tire Chains
CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P235/55R16, P245/50ZR16
or P275/40ZR17 size tires, don’t use tire chains,
there’s not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle and
you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the rear tires.
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P235/55R16, P245/50ZR16 or P275/40ZR17 size
tires, use tire chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type
chains that are the proper size for your tires.
Install them on the rear tires and tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
D Gasoline
D Benzene
D Naphtha
D Carbon Tetrachloride
D Acetone
D Paint Thinner
D Turpentine
D Lacquer Thinner
D Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous -- some more than
others -- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
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Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
D
D
D
D
Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces
with a clean, damp cloth.
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
Your dealer has cleaners for the cleaning of fabric and
carpet. They will clean normal spots and stains very
well. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.
Here are some cleaning tips:
D Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
D Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
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D Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
D Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a
clean area often. A soft brush may be used if
stains are stubborn.
D If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning,
clean the entire area immediately or it will set.
Using Cleaner on Fabric
1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
2. Always clean a whole trim panel or section.
Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.
3. Follow the directions on the container label.
4. Apply cleaner with a clean sponge. Don’t saturate
the material and don’t rub it roughly.
5. As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove any excess cleaner.
6. Wipe cleaned area with a clean, water-dampened
towel or cloth.
7. Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Cleaning Vinyl
Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black),
egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and
blood can be removed as follows:
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
soiled area with cool water.
D Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain
2. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner instructions
described earlier.
D Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.
You may have to do it more than once.
if you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean
cloth and a vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer
for this product.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine,
treat the area with a water/baking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
Cleaning Leather
4. Let dry.
D For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the
leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
dealer for this product.
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
D Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive
2. First, clean with cool water and allow to
dry completely.
D Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned
3. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner
instructions described earlier.
cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather.
immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the
finish, it can harm the leather.
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Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or
a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass.
See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do,
it may severely weaken them. In a crash,
they might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
6-58
NOTICE:
Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because
they may cause scratches. Avoid placing decals
on the inside rear window, since they may have
to be scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners
are used on the inside of the rear window,
an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached
across the defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength
glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if beads
do not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper
blades and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. See “Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants” in the Index.
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
Special care is necessary when cleaning, removing
and/or storing the roof panel.
D Flush with water to remove dust and dirt, then dry
the panel.
D Clean the panel with GM Glass Cleaner. Leave the
cleaner on the panel for one minute, then wipe the
panel with a soft, lint-free cloth.
D Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials.
6-59
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty,
depth of color, gloss retention and durability.
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a
car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.”
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm
or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don’t use strong soaps or
chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer.
See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.
Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based,
or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid
surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
6-60
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.
Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the
colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that
are non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing
on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid
spots or rings. Let the soap remain on the fabric for a
few minutes. When the top is really dirty, use a mild
foam-type cleaner. Your dealer has Convertible Top
Cleaner (GM Part No. 12378520) and Water Repellent
(GM Part No. 12378519). Thoroughly rinse the entire
vehicle, then let the top dry in direct sunlight.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
To protect the convertible top:
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use
an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and
hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
D After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
completely dry before you lower it.
D Don’t get any cleaner on the vehicle’s painted finish;
it could leave streaks.
D If you decide to go through an automatic car wash,
ask the manager if the equipment could damage
your top.
When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade.
Use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge.
A chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and
a brush can chafe the threads in the top fabric.
Don’t use detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or
bleaching agents.
6-61
Cleaning Aluminum or
Chrome-Plated Wheels (If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth
with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners
with acid or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because
you could damage the surface. Do not use chrome polish
on aluminum wheels.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels,
but avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff
off immediately after application.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car
wash that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes.
These brushes can also damage the surface of
these wheels.
6-62
Cleaning Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
NOTICE:
When applying a tire dressing always take care to
wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted
surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle.
Petroleum-based products may damage the paint
finish and tires.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide
the corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.
Finish Damage
Chemical Paint Spotting
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create
a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This
damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched
into the paint surface.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on
the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor
pan and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Pontiac
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
6-63
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6-64
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label located on the rear edge of the
driver’s door. It’s very helpful if you ever need to
order parts. On this label is:
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears
on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel,
on the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through
the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
D
D
D
D
your VIN,
the model designation,
paint information and
a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine,
specifications and replacement parts.
6-65
Electrical System
Headlamps
Add-On Electrical Equipment
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker.
An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and
off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens,
have your headlamp wiring checked right away.
NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle” in the Index.
6-66
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools.
If the overload is caused by some electrical problem
and not snow or ice, etc., be sure to get it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers protect the power windows and other
power accessories. When the current load is too heavy,
the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the
circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links in the wiring itself. This greatly
reduces the chance of fire caused by electrical problems.
There are three fuse centers on your vehicle.
The other two are located in the engine compartment
on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Open the cover on
the boxes to expose the fuses.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size.
The instrument panel fuse block is located behind a
cover on the instrument panel on the driver’s side of
the vehicle.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one of the correct value.
Just pick some feature of your car that you can get along
without -- like the radio or cigarette lighter -- and use
its fuse, if it is the size you need. Replace it as soon as
you can.
6-67
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
Fuse
Usage
STG
Steering Wheel Controls
WHEEL CNTRL
Fuse
Usage
STOP/HAZARD
Hazard Flashers,
Brake Switch Assembly
TURN B/U
6-68
Traction Control Switch,
Back/Up Lamp Switch,
Turn Flasher, Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) Module
RADIO ACCY
Delco Monsoon Radio Amplifier,
Power Antenna, Remote CD
Player (Hatch)
TAIL LPS
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module, Headlamp Switch
HVAC
HVAC Selector Switch,
Rear Defogger Switch/Timer
PWR ACCY
Parking Lamp Relay, Hatch
Release Relay, Power Mirror
Switch, Radio, Shock Sensor,
Instrument Cluster
COURTESY
Body Control Module (BCM)
GAUGES
Body Control Module (BCM),
Brake-Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI), Instrument
Panel Cluster, Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) Module
Fuse
Usage
Fuse
Usage
AIR BAG
Air Bag
IP DIMMER
CIG/ACCY
Cigarette Lighter, Data Link
Connector (DLC), Auxiliary
Accessory Wire
DEFOG/SEATS
Rear Defogger Switch/Timer,
Rear Defogger Timer/Relay,
Power Seats
IGN
Aftermarket Use Only
Door Illumination Lamp
(Right-Hand, Left-Hand),
Headlamp Switch, Fog Lamp
Switch, Instrument Cluster,
HVAC Control Assembly,
PRNDL Illumination Lamp,
Ashtray Lamp, Radio, Rear
Window Defogger Switch/Timer,
Traction Control Switch (TCS),
Convertible Top Switch
STG
Steering Wheel Controls
WHEEL CNTRL
ACCY
WIPER/WASH
Wiper Motor Assembly,
Wiper/Washer Switch
RADIO
BATT
Body Control Module (BCM),
Radio, Amplifier, Steering Wheel
Controls-Radio
WINDOWS
Power Windows Switch
(Right-Hand, Left-Hand),
Express-Down Module,
Convertible Top Switch
6-69
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
Fuse and Relay Center 1
Fuse
Usage
AIR PUMP
A.I.R. Pump Relay and
Bleed Valve
LH HDLP DR
Left Headlamp Door Module
RH HDLP DR
Right Headlamp Door Module
HORN
Horn Relay
ABS BAT-1
Anti-Lock Brake System Module
H/L DR HORN
Horn and Headlamp Doors
ABS BAT-2
Anti-Lock Brake and Traction
Control System
COOL FAN
Cooling Fan Relays
Relay
Description
Fuse
Usage
FOG LAMP
Fog Lamps
ABS BAT SOL
Anti-Lock Brake System
HORN
Horn
TCS BAT
Traction Control System
FAN #3
Cooling Fans
COOL FAN
Cooling Fan Control
FAN #2
Cooling Fans
PCM BAT
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
FAN #1
Cooling Fans
FUEL PUMP
Fuel Pump
6-70
Fuse
Usage
ENG SEN
Mass Air Flow Sensor, Heated
Oxygen Sensor, Skip Shift Solenoid
(V8 Only), Reverse Lockout
Solenoid, Brake Switch
STRTR
Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
Clutch Pedal Switch
ABS IGN
Anti-Lock Brake System Module
PCM IGN
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
ETC
Electronic Throttle Control (V6 Only)
ENG CTRL
Ignition Module (V6 Only),
Automatic Transmission,
Charcoal Canister Purge Solenoid
A/C CRUISE
Air Conditioning Compressor
Relay, Cruise Control Switches
and Module
ENG CTRL
Engine Controls, Fuel Pump,
Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
A.I.R. Pump and Cooling Fans
Fuse and Relay Center 2
Fuse
Usage
INJ-2
Fuel Injectors (Not used for V6)
(LH Injectors for V8 and
Ignition Module)
INJ-1
Fuel Injectors (All for V6)
(RH Injectors for V8 and
Ignition Module)
6-71
Replacement Bulbs
Fuse
Usage
I/P-1
HVAC Blower Control and Relay
IGN
Ignition Switch, Relay and Starter
Enable Relay
I/P-2
Instrument Panel Fuse Center
Relay
Description
Blank
Not Used
AIR PUMP
Air Pump
A/C COMP
Air Conditioning Compressor
FUEL PUMP
Fuel Pump
Capacities and Specifications
STARTER
Starter
IGN
Engine Controls, Cruise Controls,
Air Conditioning
The following approximate capacities are given in English
and metric conversions. Please refer to “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for more information.
Back-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3155
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp . . . . . . . . . . . 921
Front Parking and Turn Signal . . . . . . . 4157NAK
Headlamp
High Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4701
Low Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4703
Taillamp Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Tail/Stop/Turn Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3057
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
Automatic Transmission
Drain and Refill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Overhaul
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.8 quarts (8.3 L)
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.8 quarts (10.2 L)
Manual Transmission
Five-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4 quarts (3.2 L)
Six-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.0 quarts (3.8 L)
6-72
Cooling System
3800 V6
With Manual Transmission . . . . 11.6 quarts (11.0 L)
With Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.4 quarts (10.8 L)
5.7L V8
With Manual Transmission . . . . 11.9 quarts (11.3 L)
With Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.8 quarts (11.2 L)
Engine Oil with Filter
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5 quarts (5.2 L)
Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.8 U.S. gallons (63 L)
Wheel Nut Torque . . . . . . . . . . 100 lb-ft (140 N·m)
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specifications
Type
VIN Engine Code K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3800 V6
VIN Engine Code G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.7L V8
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
If you do your own service work, you’ll need the proper
service manual. See “Doing Your Own Service Work” in
the Index for additional information. It is recommended
that service work on your air conditioning system be
performed by a qualified technician.
Air Conditioning R-134a . . . . . . . . 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
Use Refrigerant Oil, R134a Systems
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A917C*
Engine Oil Filter
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PF47*
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PF44*
Fuel Filter
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G627*
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GF578*
Spark Plug
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . ·41-921 (0.060 inch Gap)*
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . ·41-974 (0.060 inch Gap)*
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hook
Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.0 inches (60.3 cm)
*ACDelcoR part number.
6-73
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
7-2
7-4
7-17
Introduction
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
7-21
7-23
7-25
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Part E: Maintenance Record
7-
7-1
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Maintenance Requirements
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.
7-2
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and
recommended fluids and lubricants as prescribed in
this manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. Any damage caused by failure to
follow recommended maintenance may not be covered
by warranty.
How This Section is Organized
This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” explains
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex, so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer’s service department or another qualified
service center do these jobs.
CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can
be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know-how
and the proper tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a qualified
technician do the work.
“Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you
what should be checked and when. It also explains
what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in
good condition.
“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections”
explains important inspections that your dealer’s
service department or another qualified service center
should perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
lists some recommended products necessary to help
keep your vehicle properly maintained. These products,
or their equivalents, should be used whether you do the
work yourself or have it done.
“Part E: Maintenance Record” is a place for
you to record and keep track of the maintenance
performed on your vehicle. Keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle
for warranty repairs.
If you want to get the service information, see “Service
and Owner Publications” in the Index.
7-3
Part A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short
distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries.
Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in
many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read the
following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition, see your dealer.
7-4
This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know
that GM-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine GM parts.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Part D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle
uses these. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that:
D carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
D are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
D use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index.
Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same
interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the
life of this vehicle.
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
[ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in Part C of
this schedule.
7-5
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the
GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). Reset the system.
t
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage
at which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A OIL CHANGE light will come on. Change
your oil as soon as possible within the next two times
you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are driving
under the best conditions, the oil life system may not
indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year.
However, your engine oil and filter must be changed
at least once a year and at this time the system must be
reset. It is also important to check your oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed. See “Oil Life System” in the Index
for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
7-6
7-7
7-8
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
j Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions.
Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote [.)
j Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
– In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly
reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher.
– In hilly or mountainous terrain.
– When doing frequent trailer towing.
– Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid
and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
7-9
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
j Replace engine air cleaner filter.
7-10
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
7-11
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
j If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe conditions listed previously
and, therefore, haven’t changed your automatic transmission fluid, change
both the fluid and filter. Manual transmission fluid doesn’t require change.
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
7-12
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
j Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
(Continued)
7-13
75,000 Miles (125 000 km) (Continued)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
j
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
7-14
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
7-15
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
j Inspect spark plug wires.
j Replace spark plugs.
j If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
previously and, therefore, haven’t changed your automatic transmission
fluid, change both the fluid and filter. Manual transmission fluid doesn’t
require change.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
j Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last
service, whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap
and neck. Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
7-16
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the
Index for further details.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
At Each Fuel Fill
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
Don’t forget to check your spare tire. See “Tires” in
the Index for further details.
It is important for you or a service station attendant
to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
At Least Twice a Year
Engine Oil Level Check
Restraint System Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOLR
coolant mixture if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for further details.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
7-17
Wiper Blade Check
Automatic Transmission Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed.
See “Automatic Transmission Fluid” in the Index.
A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system
and repair if needed.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
Manual Transmission Check
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed.
See “Manual Transmission Fluid” in the Index.
Check for leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
At Least Once a Year
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, headlamp door
assemblies, rear compartment, console doors and any
folding seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
7-18
Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. See “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway
and try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to
the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on
a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
7-19
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
D With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
D With a manual transmission, the key should turn to
LOCK only when you press the key release button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
D To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
D To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
7-20
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in
the Index.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
7-21
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Rear Axle Service
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once
a year.
Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add
if needed. See “Rear Axle” in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the axle and repair it
if needed.
Throttle System Inspection
(Except 3800 Series V6 Engine)
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
7-22
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and
rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine Oil
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use only
GM GoodwrenchR DEX-COOLR
or HavolineR DEX-COOLR
Coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
USAGE
Hydraulic
Brake System
Windshield
Washer Solvent
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Delco Supreme 11R Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
GM OptikleenR Washer
Solvent (GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Hydraulic
Clutch System
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
Power
Steering System
GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017 - 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
DEXRONR-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
DEXRONR-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
7-23
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Key
Lock Cylinders
Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
SuperlubeR (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Rear Axle
(Limited-Slip
Differential)
Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points
Engine oil.
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic
Axle Lubricant (GM
Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting GM
Specification 9986115. With a
complete drain and refill add
4 ounces (118 ml) of Limited-Slip
Axle Lubricant Additive (GM Part
No. 1052358 or equivalent)
where required. See “Rear Axle”
in the Index.
Floor
Shift Linkage
LubriplateR Lubricant Aerosol
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
Lubrication
Chassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
Rear Axle
(Standard
Differential)
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic
Axle Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting
GM Specification 9986115.
7-24
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release Pawl
LubriplateR Lubricant Aerosol
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and
Door Hinges
Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
SuperlubeR (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
Conditioning
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the
boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or
“Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.
Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record
DATE
ODOMETER
READING
SERVICED BY
MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
7-25
Maintenance Record
DATE
7-26
ODOMETER
READING
SERVICED BY
Maintenance Record
DATE
ODOMETER
READING
SERVICED BY
7-27
Maintenance Record
DATE
7-28
ODOMETER
READING
SERVICED BY
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
Here you will find out how to contact Pontiac if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service
publications and how to report any safety defects.
8-2
8-2
8-3
8-5
8-5
8-6
8-6
Pontiac Cares
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users
Customer Assistance Offices
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
8-8
8-8
8-10
8-10
8-11
8-11
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Courtesy Transportation
Warranty Information
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
8-
8-1
Pontiac Cares
The PONTIAC CARES philosophy and elements are
designed to make you realize that Pontiac recognizes
you as a valuable customer, appreciates your purchase
decision, and is dedicated to taking care of the most
important person ... YOU! PONTIAC CARES is:
A valuable feature that comes with every Pontiac,
a feature that offers a multitude of benefits that can
give you safety, security, comfort and convenience.
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?
D A 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km)
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
D Customer Assistance
D Roadside Assistance
D Courtesy Transportation
With PONTIAC CARES, you are never more than
a phone call away from having your concern taken
care of.
8-2
All of these elements combine to make your driving
experience an enjoyable one and are discussed in greater
detail in your owner’s manual. Pontiac is focusing on
the changing needs of our customers and is committed
to giving you an exceptional level of customer care
throughout your ownership experience. Our goal is
to create total customer enthusiasm in our product and
our services and make you the most satisfied customer
in the world.
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
dealer and to Pontiac. Normally, any concerns with the
sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be
resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments.
Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of
all concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your
concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction,
the following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member
of dealership management. Normally, concerns can
be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has
already been reviewed with the sales, service or parts
manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the
general manager.
STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of
dealership management, it appears your concern cannot
be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact
the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center by calling
1-800-762-2737. In Canada, contact GM of Canada
Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling
1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
8-3
We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order
to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have the
following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
D Vehicle Identification Number (This is available
from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate
at the top left of the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.)
D Dealership name and location
D Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
When contacting Pontiac, please remember that
your concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility.
That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if
you have a concern.
STEP THREE -- Both General Motors and your
dealer are committed to making sure you are
completely satisfied with your new vehicle. However,
if you continue to remain unsatisfied after following the
procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, you should
file with the GM/BBB Auto Line Program to enforce
any additional rights you may have. Canadian owners
refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance
Information booklet for information on the Canadian
Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
8-4
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus
to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or
the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Although you may be required to resort to this informal
dispute resolution program prior to filing a court action,
use of the program is free of charge and your case
will generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not
agree with the decision given in your case, you may
reject it and proceed with any other venue for relief
available to you.
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone
number or write them at the following address:
BBB Auto Line
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This program is available in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or
speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs),
Pontiac has TTY equipment available at its Customer
Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with
Pontiac by dialing: 1-800-833-PONT (7668).
(TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)
Customer Assistance Offices
Pontiac encourages customers to call the toll-free number
for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to Pontiac,
the letter should be addressed to Pontiac’s Customer
Assistance Center.
United States
P.O. Box 33172
1-800-762-2737 or
1-800-833-7668 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-ROADSIDE (762-3743)
From:
Puerto Rico:
1-800-496-9992 (English)
1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)
Canada
1-800-263-3777 (English)
1-800-263-7854 (French)
1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800
All Overseas Locations
Please contact the local General Motors Business Unit.
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
U.S. Virgin Islands)
General Motors de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Customer Assistance Center
Paseo de la Reforma # 2740
Col. Lomas de Bezares
C.P. 11910, Mexico, D.F.
01-800-508-0000
Long Distance: 011-52 - 53 29 0 800
U.S. Virgin Islands:
1-800-496-9994
Fax Number: 313-381-0022
8-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
This program, available to
qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward aftermarket driver
or passenger adaptive
equipment you may require
for your vehicle (hand
controls, wheelchair/scooter
lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The program is available
for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call
the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program.
Call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details.
When calling from outside Canada, please dial
1-905-644-3063. All TTY users call 1-800-263-3830.
8-6
Security While You Travel
1-800-ROADSIDE (1-800-762-3743)
As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you
drive in the city or travel the open road.
Pontiac’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is
staffed by a team of technically trained advisors, who
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We take anxiety out of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Pontiac dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you:
D Fuel delivery
D Lock-out service (identification required)
D Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service
D Change a flat tire
D Jump starts
We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the
following additional services depending on your needs:
D Hotels
D Glass replacement
D Tire repair facilities
D Rental vehicle or taxis
D Airports or train stations
D Police, fire department or hospitals
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Pontiac’s comprehensive warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our advisors will
explain any payment obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following information to give the advisor:
D
D
D
D
D
D
Location of vehicle
Telephone number of your location
Vehicle model, year and color
Mileage of vehicle
Vehicle license plate number
8-7
Pontiac reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Pontiac’s
judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or
type of occurrence.
While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you and
your family. Remember, we’re only a phone call away.
Pontiac Roadside Assistance -- 1-800-ROADSIDE
or 1-800-762-3743, text telephone (TTY) users,
call 1-888-889-2438.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book or
call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.
8-8
Courtesy Transportation
Pontiac has always exemplified quality and value in its
offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership
experience, we and our participating dealers are proud
to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support
program for new vehicles.
The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to
retail purchase/lease customers in conjunction with
the Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Several transportation
options are available when warranty repairs are
required. This will reduce your inconvenience during
warranty repairs.
Plan Ahead When Possible
When your vehicle requires warranty service, you
should contact your dealer and request an appointment.
By scheduling a service appointment and advising your
service consultant of your transportation needs, your
dealer can help minimize your inconvenience. If your
vehicle cannot be scheduled into the service department
immediately, keep driving it until it can be scheduled for
service, unless, of course, the problem is safety-related.
If it is, please call your dealership, let them know this,
and ask for instructions.
If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle
off for service, you are urged to do so as early in the
work day as possible to allow for same day repair.
Transportation Options
Warranty service can generally be completed while you
wait. However, if you are unable to wait Pontiac helps
minimize your inconvenience by providing several
transportation options. Depending on the circumstances,
your dealer can offer you one of the following:
Shuttle Service
Participating dealers can provide you with shuttle
service to get you to your destination with minimal
interruption of your daily schedule. This includes a
one way shuttle ride to a destination up to 10 miles
from the dealership.
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs,
reimbursement up to $30 per day (five days maximum)
may be available for the use of public transportation
such as taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange
transportation through a friend or relative, reimbursement
for reasonable fuel expenses up to $10 per day (five day
maximum) may be available. Claim amounts should
reflect actual costs and be supported by original receipts.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight
warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide
you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for
a rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a
maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts.
This requires that you sign and complete a rental
agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle
provider requirements. Requirements vary and may
include minimum age requirements, insurance coverage,
credit card, etc. You are responsible for fuel usage
charges and may also be responsible for taxes, levies,
usage fees, excessive mileage or rental usage beyond the
completion of the repair.
Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle as
a courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
Courtesy Transportation is available during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period,
but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
A separate booklet entitled “Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information” furnished with each new
vehicle provides detailed warranty coverage information.
8-9
Courtesy Transportation is available only at
participating dealers and all program options, such as
shuttle service, may not be available at every dealer.
Please contact your dealer for specific information about
availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements
will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.
Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the
Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your
dealer for details.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any
time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein
at its sole discretion.
Warranty Information
Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet
that contains detailed warranty information.
REPORTING SAFETY
DEFECTS TO THE UNITED
STATES GOVERNMENT
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,
you should immediately inform the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to
notifying General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
8-10
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO
THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO
GENERAL MOTORS
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify
us. Please call us at 1–800–762-2737, or write:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
P.O. Box 33172
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
8-11
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
Service Manuals
Owner’s Information
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case
Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments and specifications
for GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist
in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)
Helm, Incorporated S P.O. Box 07130 S Detroit, MI 48207
8-12

2002 Pontiac Firebird Owner`s Manual

Transcription

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